Meet the new 99th Air Refueling Squadron commander

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  • By to the Thunderbolt
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 6th Air Mobility Wing would like to welcome Lt. Col. Kingston Lampley the new commander for the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, Birmingham, Ala. Lampley took command of the unit in June.

The 99th ARS is a geographically separated unit assigned to MacDill AFB.

Lampley took time out of his day to answer a few questions for the Thunderbolt in order for the base to get to know him better.

Thunderbolt: What do you expect of the Airmen under your command?
Lampley: I expect hard work, honesty and balance -- spiritually, mentally, and physically. Don't tell me what you think I want to hear. I won't bite your head off. Just tell me the truth, with respect, of course.

Thunderbolt: Who are your favorite leaders and role models?
Lampley: My favorite leader is Col. Tim Smith. He is retired, now, but was the vice wing commander at MacDill while I was the chief of Wing Plans in the lead up to our operational readiness inspection. He taught me invaluable skills about leadership and about being a good man, in general. I learned through his actions. Much of leadership can't be garnered from books. Leadership exudes from the essence of a man/woman. If you're a good man/woman, leadership is natural.

Thunderbolt: What does it mean to you to be a new commander?
Lampley: It means the Air Force has entrusted me with caring for its most valuable asset -- our Airmen. It's not about me -- it's about them. They do the work. I lead them and care for their well-being and professional development.

Thunderbolt: When you hold your first commander's call what is the first thing you are going to tell your Airmen?
Lampley: I'm going to tell them it's an honor to be their commander. We have the highest quality Americans serving in our armed forces. To be the leader of such a fine group of people is humbling.

Thunderbolt: What are your thoughts about living in Birmingham?
Lampley: I live in Birmingham, Ala. I'm an Auburn University grad and have many family roots here. I love the natural beauty and the friendly people here. It's a big city with a lot of warm charm.