Meet the support group commander Published July 24, 2007 By Editorial Staff 354th Fighter WIng Public Affairs EIELSON AFB, Alaska -- Before taking command of the 354th Mission Support Group, Col. John G. Stutts was a student at Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, Ft. McNair, Washington DC. The ICAF prepares selected military officers and civilians for senior leadership positions by conducting postgraduate, executive-level courses of study and associated research dealing with the resource component of national power, with special emphasis on materiel acquisition and joint logistics, and their integration into national security strategy for peace and war. Colonel Stutts is a career Services officer and has served as a Services Squadron commander three times and as an Expeditionary Mission Support Squadron commander. He is a three-time Services Officer of the Year at the Major Command level. His units were selected as "Best in the Command" five times and received numerous additional awards and recognitions. His father was a career Noncommissioned Officer in the Army, and Colonel Stutts considers Fort Benning, Georgia, his "home." Q: Why did you choose the military for your career? A: I come from a family with a military background. I was an "Army brat" and had relatives in the Air Force. My Mom's two brother's loved the Air Force and filled my head with stories of their exploits. Like a lot of people, I needed a job so my family could eat, but it was mainly so I could help make a difference in people's lives, both here in America and around the world. Almost 23 years later, I'm glad I joined up. I'm still having fun and feel like I'm making a contribution to a better future for others. Q: What has been your best experience while serving and what made the experience so memorable? A: All my assignments have been great, so picking one is very difficult, mainly because the people I have worked with have been awesome. The one that stands out just a little more intensely would have to be my deployment to Uzbekistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. We worked hard and the young Airmen deployed there accomplished amazing things because they displayed the three key elements of leadership, teamwork, and dedication. Q: What has been your most challenging position/job in the military and why? A: Being a commander is always a challenging job because so many people depend on you every day, 24/7. I've been lucky enough to have over seven years time as a squadron commander and while challenging, I wouldn't trade that time for anything. Squadron command is without doubt the best job in the Air Force. Q: Can you tell me something about yourself that most people wouldn't be able to guess? A: Well, Gen. Scott already told everyone that I have a Ph. D. so that is old news here at Eielson. I'm part Native American (Cherokee), so sometimes my attitudes toward things may be a little bit different than the average person's...for example I never celebrate Columbus Day! Q: What are your goals during your tenure of command? A: To serve the people of the 354th MSG and help them work with the rest of our team mates in the operations group, maintenance group and medical group as we move Eielson forward into a bigger and better future. A lot of that revolves around Red Flag-Alaska. Helping to continue and expand the improvements in quality-of-life for families and our younger single Airmen here is also very important. Q: What are your initial impressions of Eielson and Alaska? A: It seems to live up to the stories my uncle told me as a boy after he was stationed here in the 1950's! I've been trying to get to Eielson for my entire career. The base and atmosphere remind me a lot Malmstrom AFB, Mont.,(which I loved). Eielson looks great and the people are friendly. The troops seem sharp and the Chiefs in particular seem like they have a firm grip on things here, which is crucial to success. Q: What are your personal goals for your time in Alaska? A: When it is all over I hope that I can look in the mirror and honestly say "I did the best I could." I do hope to get a little fishing in as well!