#IAMIMSC award winner: Maj. John-Anthony Ford

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  • AFIMSC Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – Meet Maj. John-Anthony Ford, the March #IAMIMSC award winner. Ford is the deputy flight commander of the 766th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron Pacific Region Acquisitions Flight at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

The #IAMIMSC award recognizes people whose actions have promoted connectedness and service before self, two qualities Ford encourages and demonstrates. During a recent temporary duty assignment to Panama to participate in the Language Intensive Training Events program, Ford led a six-man team and ensured the accountability and safety while in country. He also volunteered in the local community and jumped in to help save the life of a local pedestrian hit by a vehicle on the highway by calling paramedics and helping understaffed ambulance workers carry the victim onto a stretcher. 

“Major Ford's actions display an unwavering commitment to service before self. He is a true ambassador for AFIMSC,” said Lt. Col. Kathryn Hinds, 766th ESS commander.

We asked Ford a few questions about being part of the AFIMSC team and promoting connectedness around the organization.

Primary duty responsibilities: I manage a team that provides base operations support to remote sites throughout Alaska and across the Pacific Region to sustain radars and airfields. We mostly focus on complex service contracts, including barging operations and logistics. We also support construction contracts and emergency repairs.

What do you like most about being a part of the AFIMSC team? 
I enjoy the autonomy AFIMSC allows; the leadership avoids micromanagement and empowers people with the right level of decision-making authority to get the job done.

Why do you think it’s important for AFIMSC teammates and their families to feel connected to the organization? 
Military life in general can be tough on families. It’s easy to feel forgotten when you are geographically separated. It’s a good bet that everyone on our team is regularly going through some significant life struggle. By connecting, we build understanding, trust, empathy and a resource network we can rely on.
 
What types of connectedness activities or events do you most enjoy participating in and why? 
I enjoy spending time with my family, playing board games, going hiking and doing escape rooms. These activities help me not take myself so seriously and break away from the daily grind.

What advice do you have for people who are trying to build a better sense of belonging and kinship with their team? 
Be intentional about scheduling time to do things together. Morale events aren’t just time away from the office. They are a way to be human, to see people from another perspective and to learn something about each other’s interests, skills and life. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Connectedness does not mean everyone tries to be the same. It’s also not a popularity contest; it means that we respect each other, celebrate our differences and acknowledge how our strengths can mutually benefit each member of the team.