Colonel Heye selected as the 189th AW vice commander

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Chris Nelson
  • 189th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  The 189th Airlift Wing has announced a new vice commander, and he's eager to get to know all aspects of the wing and how everyone contributes to the mission.

Lt. Col. Paul Heye Jr. found out during January drill he'd been selected as the 189th AW vice commander.

"I am really excited about the opportunities and challenges that go with the position," said Colonel Heye. "We have some challenges up ahead of us with the newer modern aircraft heading our way, but I know this wing is ready and willing to move forward with those changes and, as always, accomplishing the mission safely and effectively."

Colonel Heye started his military career June 1988 as a second lieutenant in undergraduate pilot training. He progressed through the ranks holding the titles of executive officer, aircraft commander, instructor pilot, evaluator pilot, 189th Operations Support Flight commander, and his last assignment, the director of operations, Joint Force Headquarters, Arkansas Air National Guard.

From early on in his career Colonel Heye said he has had the privilege to work for some great leaders that have allowed him to express his opinions and be part of the decision making process.

"I have always tried to observe and learn from leaders and followers throughout my career. There is always something to learn from all types of personalities and situations," said Colonel Heye.

"Retired Maj. Gen. Kurt Anderson was one of the first leaders that I had the privilege of learning to always take care of your people. I was his executive officer when he was the wing commander at Williams Air Force Base, [Ariz.] One thing I remember was there were, at that time, (late 80's) a lot of pilots leaving active duty and getting airline jobs. Colonel (at that time) Anderson never let that faze him. In fact, he would do whatever he could to make a smooth transition for those that had decided to leave active duty. It was a great example of how people deserve to be treated even if they don't do exactly what you would want them to do. My last squadron commander when on active duty, Lt. Col. Alex Arnista, was the same way. When I went and informed him I was leaving active duty, he asked me what he could do to help. I think as leaders and mentors we need to remember to ask that question. What can I do to help you meet your goals?"

Colonel Heye said, "While here at the 189th, I also learned a lot from Col. Jim Summers when he was the Operations Group commander and I was the Operations Support Flight commander. As I tell everyone, he always allowed me to make my own decisions for the flight. Even when he knew it probably wasn't the best or smartest decision, he still let me make it and learn from it. That is one thing I try to do. I give input and advice, but trust those that you have put in positions of leadership to make their own decisions. That is my way of mentoring. We must always be training our replacements and that is something I think our wing has done a great job with. We are then able to grow that next generation of leaders, both on the officer and enlisted side."

Colonel Heye, also a first officer pilot for Delta Airlines, balances a military career and a civilian career. His advice to busy drill status guardsmen is to remember to take care of themselves and their families.

"We need you at 100 percent when you are here working for us," said Colonel Heye. "Take the time to maintain and continue to build good relationships with your families, whether that is with a wife, husband, children, parents, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc. Whoever is in your life supports you and what you do. The drill status guardsman must balance the three legs that support him or her: Family, civilian job, and military job. If any one of those three gets over emphasized then the balance is off. It is very difficult at times to keep the three balanced and in synch and every drill status guardsman learns to do this. Always be prepared for the next step in your military career regardless of what your plan is today. Have your professional military education and education planned for and accomplished. There will always be opportunities that come up, and it is critical those items are accomplished so you can be considered for advancement."

Colonel Heye will pin on colonel insignia at a 2:30 p.m. promotion ceremony March 6 at Bldg. 118.