Aviano welcomes new command chief: Chief Master Sgt. Matt Lusson

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Austin Harvill
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The 31st Fighter Wing welcomed its newest command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Matt Lusson, April 8, 2016, here.

Upon his arrival, Chief Lusson shared his values and what he believes to be a secret to success.

“I wouldn’t think of changing anything at Aviano without knowing what our Airmen need first,” said Chief Lusson. “One of my goals is to work on the job with our Airmen to hear about their experiences. I learn just as much from them as I do from mentors who have been around 10 times longer.”

For those younger Airmen, Chief Lusson advocated for continuous professional development.

“I am excited to see how other Aviano leaders and I can provide our Airmen professional development opportunities, especially for our frontline supervisors,” said Chief Lusson. “I’ve had the opportunity to learn from major command-level chiefs, retired generals and other influential leaders. Those experiences provided so much valuable insight and it would be a shame not to give back to our Airmen the same opportunities.”

Although Chief Lusson said he wants to hear from Aviano Airmen before he makes changes, he does have some ideas he thinks could benefit all Airmen.

“I need our Airmen to spend their well-deserved time off enjoying themselves so they can return refreshed,” said Chief Lusson. “For instance, I really want to get to Oktoberfest while I’m here. However, I wouldn’t think of going if I couldn’t ensure every Airman also has an opportunity to relax and travel.”

Whether talking about communication, professional development or kicking back and relaxing, every aspect of leadership eventually ties into what he believes is a secret of success.

“When I was an [airman first class], my crew commander, a captain at that time, personally congratulated me on my selection for senior airman below-the-zone,” said Chief Lusson. “That personal interaction, and pride he showed in my accomplishment, finalized my decision to be a chief someday. A lot of us, from airman basic all the way up, are caught up with finding the cracks in Air Force bureaucracy. If you instead focus on doing everything in your power to lift up your Airmen, like that captain did for me, everything else will fall into place.”