It’s a new year and we are coming in strong with the Marriage & Leadership series!  In the next few weeks we will hear from our Armed Forces leaders as each shares their marriage stories, lessons learned and advice for #milmarriage.  This series demonstrates that caring for our military families means that we care for our military marriages, which is a priority amogst our leaders.  Lean in as we have a heart to heart to gain lessons on love, marriage and leadership with those shaping our service branches for a better tomorrow.  

Kicking us off in true Air Force fashion is none other than, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass.

Bio

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass represents the highest enlisted level of leadership, and as such, provides direction for the enlisted force and represents their interests, as appropriate, to the American public and to those in all levels of government. She serves as the personal adviser to the Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Air Force on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale, and proper utilization and progress of more than 600,000 Total Force Airmen. Chief Bass is the 19th chief master sergeant appointed to the highest noncommissioned officer position.  

Chief is married to Rahn Bass, a retired Army First Sergeant.

Chief’s Top Points:

The MilMarriage Story 

They at Ft Bragg, NC NCO Club in June of 1993. Dated off and on for 3 years and recently celebrated 25 years of marriage.

“We don’t get caught up as much in the single day as we do cherishing everyday with one another.” - CMSAF Bass

Chief shares that they found their battle rhythm of being in a mil to mil relationship through trial & error.  They learned through error that they needed to prioritize time together.  “We get eyeball to eyeball and…put away all the devices.” - CMSAF Bass

Chief shares about having meaningful conversation with her spouse.  They are more meaningful about caring for their relationship today than they’ve ever been and appreciate individual time. “I just need you to listen and not fix things.” - CMSAF Bass 

Chief models how to allow your partner to mentally prepare for discussions by stating, “When you have time, I really need to talk to you about something, but it should take about 20 minutes of focused time.”  This allows them to come to the conversation prepared, as opposed to demanding to talk whenever only one individual is ready.

When asked, “How does your marriage impact your leadership?” Chief acknowledges the benefits of differencering personalities & learning from one another.  How the truth coming from your spouse is much needed and the, “marriage makes me a better person and a better Airman” - CMSAF Bass

• Big Advice: You should never treat others better than you treat your spouse/family.

Today's Heart Track : Endless Love - Diana Ross & Lynol Richie 

Listen to our Heart Tracks 3 playlist on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3izcNRGc44G4rHt4qcJzUJ?si=eaef4f0267684ed0

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