78th Force Support Squadron stands up, gets new leadership Published July 3, 2008 By Holly Birchfield 78 ABW/PA Robins Air Force Base, GA -- David Quinn has a wealth of experience in managing programs that improve the quality of life of Airmen. It's those talents Mr. Quinn will use to make Robins a better place to work and live as the first director of the newly formed 78th Force Support Squadron. Mr. Quinn already has a couple of goals in his sights. "We have an awesome customer service," he said. "Customer service has always been my number one focus no matter where I've been. That's why we're here, and whether it's the internal or external customers, it's something that we absolutely have to focus on." Mr. Quinn said from the start he was impressed with Robins' enthusiasm for being the best. "At every facility I've been to, the frontline staff has been incredible," he said. "They have been friendly and warm and asked all sorts of questions to see how they can better serve, which is great. A big part of leadership is to enable our team to do their job and also to effectively utilize the resources we're given." Mr. Quinn, formerly the programs branch chief for Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe Services in Sembach, Germany, said finding the best energy conservation measures for his squadron's 100-plus facilities and making the most of scarce resources are two challenges his organization will soon tackle. And while he sees a lot of good in Robins' programs, Mr. Quinn said with teamwork, good can always become better. "I want people in our unit to work with me, not always for me," he said. "We have to be a team to make this happen." Col. Warren Berry, 78th Air Base Wing commander, said Mr. Quinn has the right blend of skill and character to raise Robins' game even higher. "What David brings that is unique is a leadership style that is inclusive, an ability to listen to many sides of an issue, and an infectious, positive outlook," he said. "When you think about standing up a new unit, those traits are particularly important. We are lucky to have David and I look forward to seeing this new unit perform to the incredibly high standards that each has done previously." Col. Patrick Higby, 78th Mission Support Group commander, is also glad to have Mr. Quinn on board. "He's definitely very excited for this opportunity," he said. "He gets to see firsthand the whole Force Support Squadron stand up at Robins and tackle all the challenges that come with that. Based on what I've seen so far, he's very energetic and very excited about learning this whole new FSS dynamic." Maj. Emilio Ruizsoriano, former deputy director of the now defunct Services Division, said he expects great things to come with the new Robins team member. "I can say that Robins is in great hands right now," he said. "Mr. Quinn is a superb individual. I've known him only a few days, but I can tell that the focus on the mission and the customer support and the morale of our people is unbelievable." Maj. Ruizsoriano said although the merging of the former MSS and Services Division can be scary for people, he thinks ultimately it's going to be a better organization for Robins. Mr. Quinn said he looks forward to working with great people, including Maj. Eddie Taylor, 78th FSS deputy director. "I'm very excited to be here," he said. "We want to deliver the highest quality programs to all the folks at Robins and I think this is just a great opportunity. The FSS will provide synergy and opportunities to excel, some like we've never seen before in our support business."