Joe Foss Field, S.D. -- Throughout the next year, approximately 50 members of the South Dakota Air National Guard will participate in the inaugural Lobo Leadership Course held at Joe Foss Field, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
“The program aims to provide participants the education, resources and network to achieve their potential as leaders, ensuring they are prepared when called upon to execute our mission and continue the tradition of excellence,” said Chief Master Sergeant Zona Hornstra, 114th Fighter Wing command chief.
The participants will attend four different classroom courses throughout the duration of one year and participate in personal coursework that focus on leadership vision statements and development plans. The two main objectives of the LLC are: strategic vision and leadership development. After one year, the group will convene again to go over applied objectives and test their success through feedback.
“I would like to see a more deliberate thought process on building exceptional character to enhance the culture of the 114th Fighter Wing, more engaged conversation throughout the wing on our strategic vision, and a better understanding of our mission and structure as national and state protectors of freedom,” said Hornstra.
The concepts of the course were constructed after present leaders identified a shortfall in the preparation of our future leaders for the next level. As someone who has not only a passion, but also an extensive background in leadership, Lt. Col. Travis Schuring, South Dakota National Guard Headquarters state director of personnel, quickly became an influence in the creation of the course’s curriculum.
“Leadership is something I study extensively. I had some tremendous mentors when I was on active duty that taught me what it was like to be a good officer and take care of your people to help them progress and achieve their goals,” said Schuring.
Focusing on the vision for upcoming generations and how supervisors can not only manage their teams, but lead them to success, became the building blocks for the LLC.
“It’s my opportunity to help wing leadership execute their vision for future leaders and also pay it forward for some of the mentors I had that took care of me,” said Schuring.
Schuring concluded by stating he hopes the participants are able to take the skills they learn and mentor those around them just as he was fortunate enough to be mentored throughout his career.