Commander reflects on time spent here

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joseph E. Bridge
  • 911th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS --       "A leader should possess human understanding for others. Men are not robots and should not be treated as though they were machines. I do not by any means suggest coddling. But men are highly intelligent, complicated beings who will respond favorably to human understanding and by this means their leader will get maximum effort from each of them. He will also get loyalty--and in this connection, it is well to remember that loyalty goes down as well as up."
--GEN Omar Bradley


     Upon entering the office of Lt. Col. John G. Bojanac, Commander of the 911th Security Forces Squadron located at the 911th Airlift Wing in Pittsburgh, evidence abounds that it is an office in transition. There are golf clubs, boxes of clothes, binders full of paperwork and mementos that have spanned a two-decade career in the Air Force. Your attention is drawn to a statue of a Security Forces officer standing dominantly at 18 inches tall on the couch, and next to that is a shadow box full of challenge coins, medals, rank insignias, an American flag, and the beret of Security Forces with accompanying handcuffs, given to Bojanac at a going away luncheon.
     Some people enter the military for a chance to make something of themselves and forge their place in history. They do it through determination, doggedness and perseverance. Bojanac has served in the Air Force for 24 years ever pressing on to go higher, and that is what he is doing now by accepting a new position as the Garrison Support Branch Chief at Robbins Air Force Base, Georgia.
     Bojanac entered the Air Force in 1988 as a traditional reservist, and upon graduation from nursing school in 1994 became a member of the active reserve. In 1999, Bojanac finished work on a human resources degree and shortly thereafter received a direct commission as a security forces officer. He later completed a master's degree with a focus in military operations.
     Early in Bojanac's career he worked as an aeromedical evacuation medic, serving in Desert Storm as an aero med until being recognized by Chief Robert Holland, who served as the superintendent for the 911th Security Forces at that time.
     Bojanac said during some missions he had the opportunity to work with Chief Holland, and the chief remembered him for doing a good job on those missions and wanted Bojanac to become a security forces member.
     As a security forces member, Bojanac served in Operation Enduring Freedom after 9/11, and also served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2003, Bojanac served as the commander of the 444th Security Forces Squadron. In 2008 and 2009, he served as the anti-terrorism officer at Eskan Village, Saudi Arabia.
     Through all of the missions that he was involved with, the feeling of growing up and getting to know the people around him came up while discussing his career.
     "You cherish the time that you spend with these people," said Bojanac. "Going through the bad times and also the times of joy, whether it was the birth of a child or getting married, you really become part of this family of fine security forces members."
While having fond memories of serving at the 911th Bojanac has some words to leave for the Airmen that will remain here at the 911th.
      "The best words to leave with the Airmen of the installation is that throughout your career in the military you're going to have good times and bad times, but you need to lean on each other and lean on your faith," said Bojanac. "Seek help when you need help and remember that communication is the key. Learn to forgive, and always strive to do your best. Meet your goals together as a team, for you are not alone on an island."
With those lasting words for the Airmen of the 911th, Bojanac wanted to leave a special thanks to the men and women of Security Forces.
     "I have to thank the men and women of Security Forces over the years because if it wasn't for them I wouldn't be where I am today," said Bojanac. "They've taught and supported me, and have done every mission extremely well and have made me look better than I am."
    Airmen are taught at basic training that leaders are developed throughout a career. They are not born that way. With Bojanac's story of growing as a leader throughout his career, the lesson holds true.