US Air Force Academy Association of Graduates
US Air Force Academy Association of Graduates
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Jason Kim ’99 - Moved to Lead Inspired by Heroes
While a cadet at the Air Force Academy, Jason Kim ’99 experienced the pedestal effect and learned the importance of curiosity, compassion, trust, and mutual respect in leadership.
SUMMARY
Jason Kim, a USFA class of '99 and CEO of Firefly Aerospace, discussed his leadership journey and experiences. He emphasized the importance of curiosity, compassion, and mutual respect in leadership. Jason shared his upbringing in Richardson, Texas, and his parents' influence. He recounted his time at the Air Force Academy, highlighting the humbling experience of being among top cadets and the value of building trust. Jason detailed his career path, including roles at Boeing, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman, and his MBA from UCLA. He stressed the importance of giving back to the Air Force Academy and the Space Force.
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ABOUT LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP
Long Blue Leadership drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Spotify and all your favorite podcast platforms. Search @AirForceGrads on your favorite social channels for Long Blue Leadership news and updates!
VISIT www.longblueleadership.org FOR ALL EPISODES AND TO SUBSCRIBE!
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OUR FAVORITE QUOTES
"I think just being curious and being an active listener and asking questions and listening to other people, sometimes people want to vent, or sometimes people want to just be heard or have a voice, or some, most of the time, people just have good ideas."
"And so I would just say, just be curious, what did I miss? Did you miss something? Did we both miss something? If you get all those great ideas and you share it amongst different people from different backgrounds and walks of life, you don't miss as much, you know, and you're just bet off better off, you'll have a better solution."
"Building that trust, you know, with your your your teams, that's extremely empowering and motivating when you trust someone else, and they trust you, and you can go much, much further when you build that trust up."
"We got this drilled into us, and we didn't even know at the time how important it was. But you know, building that trust, you know, with your your your teams, that's extremely empowering and motivating when you trust someone else, and they trust you, and you can go much, much further when you build that trust up."
"And then the last thing I would say is, I think we were one of the first classes that had non commissioned officers alongside with AOCs that were there to teach us about mutual respect, about mutual respect between officers and non commissioned officers. And I think that went a long ways for for all of us, because, you know, once we went to the real Air Force, you know, we were going to lead a lot of officers and NCOs, and getting that kind of exposure early on was helpful, but also learning about mutual respect, that's something that is extremely important in any work setting that you're in."
CHAPTERS
00:00: Introduction and Background
02:24: Welcome to Long Leu Leadership
07:42: Early Inspirations and Motivations
10:56: Discovering the Air Force Academy
16:00: Memorable Experiences at the Academy
23:26: Leadership Lessons Learned
26:32: Leadership: Curiosity, Compassion, and Mutual Respect
28:14: Startup Journey: Taking Risks and Minimizing Regrets
30:07: Leadership Lessons: MBA and Personal Growth
32:05: Startup Experience: Joining and Growing a Company
36:18: Family and Risk-Taking: Lessons from Parents
39:36: Hidden Talent: Drawing and Painting
45:36: Giving Back: Involvement with the Air Force Academy Foundation
51:30: Impact of the Air Force Academy: Building Resilience and Confidence
TAKEAWAYS
Growing up in Texas with immigrant parents instilled a strong work ethic and a desire to give back to the country in Jason Kim.
Inspired by the space shuttle program and the Gulf War, Jason decided to pursue a career in the military.
At the Air Force Academy, Jason experienced the pedestal effect and learned the importance of curiosity, compassion, trust, and mutual respect in leadership.
Jason's academic and extracurricular experiences at the Academy helped shape his leadership skills and provided him with lifelong friendships.
His parents and role models like Colonel Ellison Onizuka influenced his decision to join the Air Force and give back to the country. Curiosity, compassion, and mutual respect are essential qualities in leadership.
Taking risks and minimizing regrets can lead to personal and professional growth.
Giving back and supporting future generations is important.
The Air Force Academy provides valuable experiences and lifelong friendships.
Learning multiple languages and exploring different cultures can broaden perspectives.
The Academy's challenging environment builds resilience and confidence.
Переглядів: 98

Відео

Success Stories | Checkpoints September 2024
Переглядів 936День тому
The Academic Success Center exists to assist all cadets in becoming exceptional lifelong learners and thoughtful leaders in the Air Force and Space Force.
Developing Warfighters to Win - Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind '91 | Checkpoints September 2024
Переглядів 682День тому
Checkpoints sits down with Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind ’91, the 22nd superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy, to discuss his first impressions, his priorities for the institution, and what it’s like leading his alma mater.
2nd Lt. Madison Marsh ’23 - Leading with Empathy
Переглядів 51914 днів тому
2nd Lt. Madison Marsh ’23 also Miss America 2024, lost her mom to pancreatic cancer in 2018. That was the year she was accepted to the Air Force Academy, news she was able to share with her mom who passed away just hours later. Madison fought through grief, doubt and fear, learning along the way that to become a successful leader meant asking for help and leading with empathy. Learn who she lea...
Kucera Legacy Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony | September 2024
Переглядів 59921 день тому
U.S. Air Force Academy dignitaries, elected officials, and friends and family of Jack ’78 and Vianne Kucera gathered on the east side of Falcon Stadium the morning of Sept. 6 to celebrate the ribbon-cutting for the Kucera Legacy Center. The Kuceras are the lead donors for the $90 million modernization project, which boasts 850 new premium seats within the East Club presented by L3Harris at the ...
Brig. Gen. Gavin P. Marks ’96 - Making Day-1 Leaders
Переглядів 88328 днів тому
Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks ’96 discusses the absolute importance of standards and integrity in leadership, and how a new, more rigorous approach at the Academy will build that in to cadets making them Day-1 leaders. SUMMARY Brigadier General Gavin P. Marks, Commandant of the Air Force Academy, shares his journey from being a young man in Atlanta, Georgia to becoming a pilot and eventually serving a...
Parent and Family Membership Update | 2024-25 Academic Year
Переглядів 556Місяць тому
Parent and Family Membership Update | 2024-25 Academic Year
Association of Graduates & Air Force Academy Foundation | COS Airport Partnership
Переглядів 150Місяць тому
Association of Graduates & Air Force Academy Foundation | COS Airport Partnership
Coach Troy Calhoun ’89 - Know Your Craft and Your People Well
Переглядів 194Місяць тому
In this conversation, Coach Troy Calhoun discusses his journey from childhood to becoming the head football coach of the Air Force Falcons. He talks about his upbringing in a family of service and the influence of his parents. Coach Calhoun shares his experiences as a cadet at the Air Force Academy and the lessons he learned in leadership. He also discusses the intersections of athletics and ac...
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) John D. Hopper Jr. '69 - 2023 Distinguished Graduate
Переглядів 1,7 тис.Місяць тому
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) John D. Hopper Jr. '69 - 2023 Distinguished Graduate
Terrence “Terry” O’Donnell '66 - 2023 Distinguished Graduate
Переглядів 387Місяць тому
Terrence “Terry” O’Donnell '66 - 2023 Distinguished Graduate
Sam Eckholm ’18 - Live, Serve, Lead
Переглядів 593Місяць тому
In this edition of Long Blue Leadership, host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99, is talking with Sam about his journey from the three times he landed on the “footprints” on in-processing day through the challenges he faced as he learned to lead his peers, side-stepping career advice that might have left him in obscurity, his relentless perseverance pursuing his dreams, graduation in 2018, t...
I-Day | Welcome Class of 2028
Переглядів 15 тис.3 місяці тому
The U.S. Air Force Academy was bustling with soon-to-be basic cadets and their families this week. On June 25, the grounds between Doolittle Hall and Falcon Club overflowed with proud families during the annual Ice Cream Social hosted by the Association and Foundation. Attendees learned more about the Academy, explored parent and cadet resources, played lawn games and enjoyed ice cream on a hot...
Brig. Gen. Linell Letendre '96 - How you Fail - How You Succeed - How You Lead
Переглядів 1693 місяці тому
General Linell Letendre and Doug Lindsay shared their insights on leadership development at the Air Force Academy. They emphasized the importance of resilience, failure, and mentorship in shaping effective leaders. Gen. Letendre highlighted the value of taking advantage of little opportunities and pushing boundaries, while Lindsay stressed the need for courage and finding one's voice in leaders...
Maj. Austin McKinney '10 - Leading Beyond Borders
Переглядів 954 місяці тому
Maj. Austin McKinney '10 - Leading Beyond Borders
Introducing The AOG Parent & Family App!
Переглядів 2754 місяці тому
Introducing The AOG Parent & Family App!
Lt. Gen. Richard Clark ’86 - Leading as Brothers in Arms
Переглядів 4774 місяці тому
Lt. Gen. Richard Clark ’86 - Leading as Brothers in Arms
Get the Scoop | USAFA Class of 2028 Ice Cream Social!
Переглядів 1,3 тис.4 місяці тому
Get the Scoop | USAFA Class of 2028 Ice Cream Social!
The Falcon Mews | Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77
Переглядів 3294 місяці тому
The Falcon Mews | Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77
The Air Garden - Part 3 | Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77
Переглядів 3295 місяців тому
The Air Garden - Part 3 | Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell ’89 - Dare to Dream
Переглядів 1685 місяців тому
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell ’89 - Dare to Dream
The Air Garden - Part 2 | Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77
Переглядів 2215 місяців тому
The Air Garden - Part 2 | Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77
The Air Garden - Part 1 | Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77
Переглядів 2395 місяців тому
The Air Garden - Part 1 | Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77
Cadet Squadron 15 - SAR Tour | 1Day1USAFA 2024
Переглядів 3,4 тис.5 місяців тому
Cadet Squadron 15 - SAR Tour | 1Day1USAFA 2024
Maj. Julian "Cosmo" Gluck '12 - Moving Fast and Flying High
Переглядів 1195 місяців тому
Maj. Julian "Cosmo" Gluck '12 - Moving Fast and Flying High
The Dorris Mural "Order Sabers" | Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77
Переглядів 1035 місяців тому
The Dorris Mural "Order Sabers" | Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77
Expect Great Things | U.S. Air Force Academy
Переглядів 1,5 тис.5 місяців тому
Expect Great Things | U.S. Air Force Academy
The Carlton House - Part 2 | Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77
Переглядів 3135 місяців тому
The Carlton House - Part 2 | Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77
Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dana Born '83 - Leadership is Personal
Переглядів 1016 місяців тому
Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dana Born '83 - Leadership is Personal
The Carlton House - Part 1 | Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77
Переглядів 3556 місяців тому
The Carlton House - Part 1 | Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @frjimshevlin
    @frjimshevlin 4 дні тому

    General Butler it was a pleasure serving uber your command at Griffiss AFB. I will never forget how great a man you are. We were both runners at the time and I would pass on to you my Runners World magazines. We met once again at Eielson AFB, Alaska when you were the Inspector General. In my 20 years in the AF you are the greatest and kind person I have ever met in my career. Thank you and God Bless! Jim Shevlin here!

  • @torchmartin
    @torchmartin 8 днів тому

    Fantastic episode! I loved the questions by the host, very smooth and organic. Also, shout out to the sound and video people. The overall audio was crisp and video presentation is clean.

    • @AirForceGrads
      @AirForceGrads 8 днів тому

      From our team to you, thank you! It's a worthy mission and work we all enjoy!

  • @MonteAndersonPilotPhysics
    @MonteAndersonPilotPhysics 12 днів тому

    Fantastic conversation! Thank you for sharing your story, leadership lessons, and insight.

  • @jenmoyers8203
    @jenmoyers8203 12 днів тому

    The Academic Success Center is such a great resource for USAFA students!

  • @danoconnor3720
    @danoconnor3720 12 днів тому

    The Academy is in good hands.

  • @bipolarcollie
    @bipolarcollie 13 днів тому

    The birds are most definitely real, alive and living on the US Air Force Academy grounds. If you don't believe it, go visit. Why would anyone think they'd lie about that? They have a very strict honor code.

  • @Beeverock
    @Beeverock 16 днів тому

    Thank you for making this. My buddy and I just hiked this today. The hike is very steep and rough in some parts, but worth it.

  • @OscarA.BenitesNavarro
    @OscarA.BenitesNavarro 20 днів тому

    🇭🇳

  • @OscarA.BenitesNavarro
    @OscarA.BenitesNavarro 23 дні тому

    🇭🇳🇭🇳

  • @OscarA.BenitesNavarro
    @OscarA.BenitesNavarro 23 дні тому

    Mc donalds ice cream is delicious too maybe baskins or vanilla

  • @OscarA.BenitesNavarro
    @OscarA.BenitesNavarro 26 днів тому

    🇭🇳🇭🇳

  • @OscarA.BenitesNavarro
    @OscarA.BenitesNavarro 26 днів тому

    Im hondurean and i live in Honduras , where justice doesnt really work good here , but in US does.

  • @OscarA.BenitesNavarro
    @OscarA.BenitesNavarro 26 днів тому

    I am class of 2029

  • @jefflewis6340
    @jefflewis6340 29 днів тому

    Both of you had a great discussion. I enjoyed it thoroughly and I am proud that you are both part of MY Long Blue Line Class of 77, Pride Rides!

    • @naviere77
      @naviere77 28 днів тому

      Thank you for this wonderful compliment! We appreciate you taking the time to listen to Long Blue Leadership, and we are proud to be part of your Long Blue Line as well! Gold Will Shine '99! Go Falcons!

  • @OscarA.BenitesNavarro
    @OscarA.BenitesNavarro Місяць тому

    Im from San Pedro Sula Honduras , i am hondurean i grew up in Texas. Im From the North America.

  • @OscarA.BenitesNavarro
    @OscarA.BenitesNavarro Місяць тому

    Instead of filling a new I Form act. I can get here easily.

  • @OscarA.BenitesNavarro
    @OscarA.BenitesNavarro Місяць тому

    Im 23

  • @YamaHoyes
    @YamaHoyes Місяць тому

    Many congrats, Sir! Thank you so much for your leadership and love of our USAF! V/R "Yama"

  • @BruceJohnson-e8c
    @BruceJohnson-e8c Місяць тому

    Lt Gen Hopper was my AOC and was an amazing leader and mentor. I learn so many life lessons my senior year with him. Pleased to see him as a DG.

  • @StevenBerryhill-l3c
    @StevenBerryhill-l3c Місяць тому

    Well done General! In my 39 years in the AF and ANG I was constantly amazed by the fine folks I worked for and with. Leaders, like you! V/R. Steve Berryhill

  • @sharontunson261
    @sharontunson261 Місяць тому

    Congratulations, John! Well-deserved!

  • @OscarA.BenitesNavarro
    @OscarA.BenitesNavarro Місяць тому

    That the only way i picked to be a better person and smarter ❤❤ Im 23 and Honduras , im imigrant and a very good calm person.

  • @SamEckholm
    @SamEckholm Місяць тому

    Thanks for having me on!

    • @champsrivera5267
      @champsrivera5267 Місяць тому

      Sam you are an absolute inspiration!! I am 16 and am trying my best to get into the academy. Your Videos have been really helpful for me in making my decision!

    • @AirForceGrads
      @AirForceGrads Місяць тому

      Thanks, Sam! It was a wonderfully insightful and inspirational conversation. Truly a pleasure!

  • @danoconnor3720
    @danoconnor3720 Місяць тому

    Every cadet has their own fascinating story of how they found the AFA. Tomorrow is Acceptance Day where my doolie becomes a full member of the cadet wing.

    • @AirForceGrads
      @AirForceGrads Місяць тому

      Congratulations on such a big milestone!

  • @FighterJetOfDoom
    @FighterJetOfDoom Місяць тому

    I hope to be there for the class of 2031 to major in Aeronautical Engineering and a minor in Airpower studies in order to become a tanker pilot. I have many Airmen in my family, and if I go here, I’ll be the first officer in my family!

  • @kennixox262
    @kennixox262 2 місяці тому

    As a young Cadet in the early 1980's the roof dripped on those sitting inside the chapel. SOM did the whole Academy design from the outset.

  • @mrhassell
    @mrhassell 2 місяці тому

    JWST and the JSF are two of the most amazing creations in the entire history of mankind. Truly an inspiring company to be a part of.

  • @BrigitteDogan
    @BrigitteDogan 2 місяці тому

    der general ist der netteste mensch den ich im internet kennen gelernt habe. darum hatte ich mich auch in ihn verliebt, seit gestern weis ich das er immer noch mit seiner frau betty zusammen ist, es war traurig für mich, aber gleichzeitig freue ich mich, das ich mich nicht in ihn getäuscht habe. wünsche den beiden noch viele glückliche jahre zusammen. liebe güße brigitte

  • @totemtv5116
    @totemtv5116 2 місяці тому

    Didn’t see that many chairs. Very impressed.

  • @Bladers_Requiem
    @Bladers_Requiem 2 місяці тому

    Well hopefully they accept me into the class of 2029 because that would be such an amazing and challenging experience in one.

  • @jorgemontefusco650
    @jorgemontefusco650 2 місяці тому

    See any DEI here?

  • @djwhite8824
    @djwhite8824 2 місяці тому

    Good to see the security forces director going to better places, Maj Gen Sherman was the overall commander of all my fellow defenders. Defensor Fortis Sir 🫡

  • @lewcipher358
    @lewcipher358 3 місяці тому

    My God. They give these kids ice cream? Air Force represent.

  • @g.h.9117
    @g.h.9117 3 місяці тому

    These young people seem bright and positive but I'm concerned not one stated they want to be a war fighter. Is the warrior ethos and focus gone from this premier military leader school? It can not be advertised as another top university. It is a military academy! Fly fight and win! or live in Tyranny.

  • @Rosarioforever
    @Rosarioforever 3 місяці тому

    Very interesting

  • @isingizweraymond3411
    @isingizweraymond3411 3 місяці тому

    Can a green card holder join the Air Force and become a pilot?

  • @sylvesterkwame6093
    @sylvesterkwame6093 3 місяці тому

    sylvester from Ghana

  • @user-tu4li8kw8d
    @user-tu4li8kw8d 3 місяці тому

    "go julia!"

  • @aeuid
    @aeuid 3 місяці тому

    I know julia chang!!

  • @ManiiacMadness
    @ManiiacMadness 3 місяці тому

    Going to sign up and pray I get accepted into, my dream is to be a fighter jet pilot

    • @Unknown-te8fv
      @Unknown-te8fv 3 місяці тому

      I hope that you will be a good fighter jet pilot.

    • @adeosunaduratomi4244
      @adeosunaduratomi4244 3 місяці тому

      Hopes are 4ked as an International student💔

    • @ManiiacMadness
      @ManiiacMadness 3 місяці тому

      @@Unknown-te8fv I will be the best

  • @01conte
    @01conte 3 місяці тому

    At the 1:39 mark, unfortunately the new Vice Supt got both the wrong year and base where the very first soon-to-be cadets (in the Class of 1959) showed up. The year was 1955 (not 1954) and the base was Lowry AFB (not Loring AFB).

  • @Sundog12
    @Sundog12 3 місяці тому

    I can hear it now…at the top of the core values ramp… “How’s that ice cream tasting now basic ….?” 😂 God speed C/O 28

  • @Robert-pg2id
    @Robert-pg2id 3 місяці тому

    Gustave Whitehead flew 2 years before the Wright Brothers in Bridgeport Connecticut, in front of 10+ eyewitnesses who all signed affidavits. This video omits US History for some reason.

  • @sylviahudson5737
    @sylviahudson5737 3 місяці тому

    Correction: Lackland 🙏🙏

  • @sylviahudson5737
    @sylviahudson5737 3 місяці тому

    I am not going back to Lakeland *GROUPS* No Spam Alerts Please 🙏🙏

  • @Bottle_Dude
    @Bottle_Dude 3 місяці тому

    Who’s chuck?

  • @stevecasselman152
    @stevecasselman152 3 місяці тому

    I first started working on H3's at dmafb on drone recovery. Tdy to osan korea and danang viet nam. Then was stationed in nkp thailand on the hh-53 jollys with the 40th arrs in 72-73...

  • @Fitness.with.Max.0802
    @Fitness.with.Max.0802 4 місяці тому

    We need a working app for Grads

  • @danoconnor3720
    @danoconnor3720 4 місяці тому

    Inspiring story.

  • @davidwrobel8089
    @davidwrobel8089 5 місяців тому

    Awe-inspiring, after 100 plus years, aviation is still intriguing. Great video.