Words of wisdom from finance superintendent of the year

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mariette Adams
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  On his 22nd anniversary of serving on active duty, a senior master sergeant with the 6th Comptroller Squadron on MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, was awarded the finance 2015 Chief Master Sergeant Larry P. Gonzales Superintendent of the Year award.

Although it is an individual award, Senior Master Sgt. Nathaniel Bettisworth recognizes the accomplishment as a team effort.

"It feels good to be recognized, but it's really a reflection of my team and leadership's efforts to make these type of awards happen," explained Bettisworth.

He recently moved from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, in December 2015, where he led 130 personnel covering 13 career fields, and oversaw the execution of a $154.5 million annual budget. In addition, he oversaw $840,000 in funding for the Bomber Assurance and Deterrence Mission travel, $6.7 million in end of year requirements, and $1 million in quality-of-life funds for park upgrades and dining facility renovation, to name a few.

As a seasoned senior noncommissioned officer, his time in the military has provided him with experience and knowledge.

"My biggest piece of advice is don't burn any bridges along the way." said Bettisworth. "Opportunities come along and sometimes you think you're going one direction and the next day everything changes."

He encourages Airmen to take advantage of the opportunities that the Air Force and local community offer from schooling to baseball games, to align individual priorities with priorities identified by your career field, and to develop and maintain good working relationships.

Also, Bettisworth emphasized the importance of finding mentors outside, as well as inside one's career field.

"They can provide you with a different perspective and open your eyes to more aspects of the Air Force," said Bettisworth.

When asked about a personal motto, he quoted Wayne Gretzky, "You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take."

He believes Airmen should aspire to take the lead and not be afraid of missing the mark.  If failure occurs, an Airman's positive response and actions taken moving forward can help bring success in their career.

Bettisworth now leads approximately 140 personnel at MacDill, and plans to continue to mentor, train and inspire Airmen.