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Faith, family, Air Force shape Colonel Vivians

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  • By 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Col. Mark Vivians, 81st Mission Support Group commander, came to Keesler from Joint Base Andrews, Md., where he served as commander for the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron.

Keesler News: How would you describe yourself as a leader?

Vivians: I am shaped by three things; my Lord, my family and my Air Force. They truly define me as a person. As a leader, I strive to do my best everyday and I expect the same from everyone who serves and because the tax payer expects nothing less. If we don't strive to be the best, lives literally can hang in the balance.

It is this faith that drives me to push harder to execute the Air Force values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. Not just because they are the core values, but because they were instilled in me at a very young age by my parents.

KN: What are you most looking forward to during your command?

Vivians: As a core civil engineer, I have spent the last 22 years leading and shaping some of the finest civil engineer Airmen in the Air Force.

This is my first opportunity to lead all of mission support. Previously, I have seen from afar the great people in force support, security forces, logistic readiness, communications and contracting. Now I am one of them! I am truly humbled and honored to represent and support all of these fine organizations and people.

KN: What changes do you foresee in the group?

Vivians: I am taking command from a great leader; Col. Rodney Berk. He brought the 81st Mission Support Group to new heights and I humbly hope to continually advance what he has created. I wouldn't use the word change, but I will strive to improve our support, communication, teamwork, and excellence to make the 81st Mission Support Group the best in the Air Force.

KN: Why is the MSG so vital to base operations?

Vivians: Our job in the 81st Mission Support Group is to support all of the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, retirees, and civilians who are either permanent party, or here visiting for one day. To support such a wide range of needs, we need to figure out how to do things better and smarter while continuing to promote a cost-conscious culture throughout our programs. If we successfully listen and implement suggestions then base operations and the mission will succeed.

KN: What do you hope to accomplish during your time as the Mission Support Group commander?

Vivians: In the short term, we are working hard to prepare for the Unit Compliance Inspection. A lot of hard work has happened in preparation of the inspection prior to my arrival, but now we are in the home stretch.

Keesler is unique in that the wing commander, vice commander, and myself are all new coming into a major inspection. But from my initial view, I have no doubt that we will be ready. There is still a lot of work to do, but I know we will be highly successful.

In the long term, I fully support Brig. Gen. Bradley Spacy, 81st Training Wing commander, and his six fundamental beliefs on leadership and will strive to carry out his direction.
As an example, through his fourth belief; continuous improvement, we in the mission support group will strive to embrace ideas and suggestions from any level that will make life better for the people of Keesler.

KN: How have your past experiences prepared you for this position?

Vivians: I have served in 18 positions and 10 bases throughout my career. I have commanded units consecutively since 2008.

Serving on the Air Staff, for the major command and during deployments has given me the balance to understand the multitude of challenges that face the 81st MSG. However, my true experience comes from my family. They have provided me the ability to view life through their eyes and to understand that the families are just as important as the missions we support.

KN: What have been your challenges?

Vivians: In the Air Force, I haven't seen anything that our Airmen can't overcome. I have seen Airmen work 18-20 hours a day for extended periods and still have a smile on their face. I have unfortunately given two death notifications and have marveled at the strength of the family and Air Force in their unwavering support to our fallen heroes. I have experienced joys of external recognition and rewards for hard work, but I have also seen stern determination when the recognition was less than favorable and seen us buckle down and make the programs the envy of others. Through my career, I have had and seen many challenges, but I am most proud of how we have pushed through those challenges and succeeded!

KN: What do you like to do when not on official duty?

Vivians: Every assignment has its unique adventures and I am confident that Keesler will be no different. Generally, I enjoy watching my favorite football team win and play golf. But since I am here, I am looking forward to experiencing boating, fishing and everything that the Gulf Coast has to offer.

KN: What would you consider your greatest accomplishments so far?

Vivians: My greatest accomplishment has been achieved through my faith. The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful wife and four fantastic children. They provide balance and keep me young.

As a dual-military family, it has been difficult through multiple moves and assignments, but they have made it easier and fun. Keesler and the Biloxi community has welcomed us with open arms and we are very excited to enjoy the next couple of years on the Gulf Coast.

KN: Anything to add?

Vivians: We are excited and humbled to serve Keesler for the next couple of years. Our reception here has been top-notch and we plan to continue the excellence that we have already experienced. We will be true to our motto in the Mission Support Group: One Team -- One Fight!
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