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New OC-ALC commander a true American airman

  • Published
  • By Melanie Gaines
  • OC-ALC Commander's Action Group
Tinker Air Force Base --  Maj. Gen. Loren Reno has a passion for the Air Force second to none.
   Sitting behind the dark-stained conference table and surrounded by the evidence of his many years of dedicated service, he is clearly comfortable with the top spot and quick with a reassuring smile and an encouraging word. In a voice unassuming, yet filled with confidence, he gave his thoughts on his new job and outlined his vision for the years to come.
   "Tinker," the general said, "already has a reputation for quality, excellence and responsiveness." Therefore, since returning to Tinker, the newly-appointed OC-ALC commander has focused on making us even "better" by sustaining transformation and keeping morale high. To accomplish his goals, the general said he will utilize Tinker's strengths and his past experience.
   "My overarching goal for this center is that we get better: at our support to the warfighter, our processes, our facilities and that we help our people get better (through) training, development, education, promotions and job opportunities," Gen. Reno said.
   When asked to expound, the general said he will be paying attention to five areas: Supporting the warfighter, Stewardship, Suppliers, Safety and quality, and Team. By concentrating on these areas, he said, we can improve our effectiveness and efficiency, essentially getting "better" at what we do and the way we do it.
   Tinker is ahead of the game. "I've been listening and learning a lot," Gen. Reno said. He's found four things that really impress him about the OC-ALC: the caliber of people, mission focus, teamwork, and the eagerness to get better and change. "It's not just a willingness, it's an eagerness."
   "The most noticeable change is the way we have transformed and 'Leaned' our workplace and our work processes in so many areas," the general said. "I see mechanics and technicians that are eager to embrace Lean because it will make their lives better, it will make them more productive and give them more satisfaction." He stressed the importance of embracing Lean. If you walk out to Hollywood and Vine in building 3001, look left, then right, the transformation is obvious.
   Gen. Reno returned to Tinker in early June after being away for five years.
Prior to assuming command of the OC-ALC,, the general was vice director, Defense Logistics Agency, Fort Belvoir, Va., and director of Logistics, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.
   Though new to his post, Gen. Reno is no stranger to Tinker. His past duty assignments here include serving as director of Technology and Industrial Support, director of Propulsion Transition, director of Propulsion, and OC-ALC vice commander.
   "Being a vice commander here and the three other jobs I had before, really helped me understand what goes on at this center and what we need to do," Gen. Reno said. "In addition to what I learned here at the center, I then went on to be a customer, a supplier and then came back to be the commander.
   "I really have a good feel for the balance we need to maintain, not only for what our customers expect (or) what I expect of our suppliers, but for what we can do and how we can perform as an ALC to get "better."
   The reserved and dedicated commander is clearly committed to helping the OC-ALC to meet or exceed its goals. The quiet intensity of his voice was filled with passion as he added his final thoughts.
   "The Airman's Creed begins with 'I am an American Airman. I am a warrior. I have answered my nation's call,'" said Gen. Reno. "Our civilians and our military alike have answered their nation's call."
   He pointed out that many of the people who work at the OC-ALC, whether on the day shift or swing shift, work long hours in dedicated service. Some of them even work in the middle of the night while the rest of us are sleeping. All of them have answered their nation's call.
   "I am proud to be leading and working with this team. We all play a huge role in protecting our nation's freedom and should let these beliefs guide our actions. I am proud to be an American Airman!"