Commander catches infectious attitude

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Daryl Knee
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Airmen in today's U.S. Air Force generally spend more time at work than they do at home.

With that in mind, Lt. Col. Cat Logan, 52nd Force Support Squadron commander, has aimed throughout her career to create a friendly workplace atmosphere that enhances morale and camaraderie of the Airmen with whom she works.

"You may not truly grasp the influence you have on other people," said the Henderson, N.C., native. "For the most part, people don't remember what you say but how you made them feel. I've been blessed to have such amazing people who have been there for me to help make me into the person I am today."

One of the leaders who impacted and influenced Logan's leadership philosophy is U.S. Air Force Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander and native of Austin, Texas. The two had previously worked together at the Pentagon where Logan served as an executive officer for the office of the vice chief of staff of the Air Force. Breedlove was the deputy chief of staff for operations, plans and requirements before becoming the vice chief.

Logan said Breedlove made it a point to truly understand and talk with his staff, regardless of the stresses or workload of the day. His positive attitude influenced the way Logan would later command her own squadron.

"She was an incredibly steady force in the office of the vice chief where chaos was more often the rule of the day," Breedlove said about Logan's work ethic. "Colonel Logan has an infectious, positive attitude, and I think you've seen that here."

When the Air Force announced Logan's promotion to lieutenant colonel would take place Nov. 1, she invited her family, loved ones and Breedlove - whose current position is at Ramstein Air Base, an hour's drive from Spangdahlem.

Breedlove responded personally to her e-invite and made the drive to pin the lieutenant colonel rank onto her uniform with her husband, Jason, during a pin-on ceremony Oct. 31, 2012.

U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Calisti, 52nd Mission Support Group commander and native of Trenton, N.J., presided over the ceremony. He said the Air Force does not necessarily create the core values in someone; rather, it enhances the values already found within someone. Logan's sportsmanship and work ethic are a testament to the experiences she had growing up and later as a young officer.

Calisti said the people who have influenced Logan throughout her career molded her into a leader who has the ability to meet each task with a predetermined outcome -- success.

For Logan, she said it does not matter who the people are or where they work. There are lessons in positive leadership from an Airman serving in the dining facility to a four-star general commanding all Air Force assets in Europe.