Mission-focused: the value of a war-fighting mindset

Chief Master Sgt. Robert Gutierrez Jr. speaks during the 32nd annual National Character and Leadership Symposium at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Feb. 20, 2025. The theme for NCLS 2025 is Warfighters to Win, which is one of the Academy’s three priorities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)

By Randy Roughton
U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Chief Master Sgt. Robert Gutierrez Jr. emphasized the importance of placing the mission first during the 32nd annual National Character and Leadership Symposium Feb. 20. The theme of this year’s symposium was Warfighters to Win. Cadets heard from combat-tested warfighters who exemplify leading through adversity and a warrior ethos. The career U.S. Air Force combat controller and Air Force Cross recipient urged cadets to adopt a winning mindset in everything they do.

“Exceeding the standard is the standard,” Gutierrez said. “Small habits build success. Take the initiative to develop future Airmen and Guardians with that same mindset.”

Gutierrez’s presentation was titled “find a way forward now, because there is no better time to prepare than today.”

Cadets listen to Chief Master Sgt. Robert Gutierrez Jr. during his presentation at the National Character and Leadership Symposium at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Feb. 21, 2025. The theme for NCLS 2025 is Warfighters to Win, which is one of the Academy’s three priorities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith)

The impact of ‘A Message to Garcia’

Early in his career, Gutierrez found inspiration in the essay A Message to Garcia. Special tactics officer and Academy alumnus Kurt Buller, Class of 1991, recommended the reading. Elbert Hubbard’s essay recounts how U.S. Army Lt. Andrew Summers Rowan delivered a crucial message to Cuban revolutionary leader Gen. Calixto Garcia during the Spanish-American War in 1898. The essay emphasizes the value of taking initiative and following through on orders without hesitation. Gutierrez noted this is an important lesson for our future warfighters .

“Lt. Rowan did not ask questions,” Gutierrez said. “He didn’t ask if he could do it tomorrow. Lt. Rowan understood the objective and the value of what was necessary to get done, and he took the initiative to move.”

Gutierrez displayed a mission-first mentality despite adversity

That same determination guided Gutierrez on October 5, 2009, during a four-hour firefight in Afghanistan. His Special Forces team was conducting a nighttime raid to capture the province’s No. 2 Taliban leader when they became pinned down inside a building. Gutierrez sustained a collapsed lung, three broken ribs and a fist-sized exit wound in his back from an armor-piercing round to the chest but refused medical treatment. Instead, he continued firing his M4 rifle and radioed for close air support.

Addressing the cadets, Gutierrez emphasized that his perseverance was not just about survival. He fought through the pain for his family, his teammates’ lives, and, above all, the mission. His bravery that night earned him the Air Force Cross.

“At the end of the day, I had one thing in mind, and that was to engage the enemy and protect my teammates,” he said. “My teammates and our mission matter to me. I did what I did that day because Col. Buller told me to get the message to Garcia.”

Cadet 3rd Class Keanu Gotay asks a question at the Chief Master Sgt. Robert Gutierrez Jr. presentation during the 32nd annual National Character and Leadership Symposium at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Feb. 21, 2025. The theme for NCLS 2025 is Warfighters to Win, which is one of the Academy’s three priorities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

Cadets moved by Gutierrez’s message

After Gutierrez completed his presentation, he answered questions from cadets. Cadet 3rd Class James Stephens said Gutierrez’s experiences and insight resonated deeply with him. The opportunity to ask questions and interact with a senior leader was impactful and humbling to Stephens.

“I felt I was called to join the military when I came to the Academy. Listening to Chief Master Sgt. Gutierrez felt like a recalling to serve,” Stephens said. “As a future lieutenant, I find nothing more valuable than the enlisted perspective, especially considering all Chief Master Sgt. Gutierrez has done in his career. We can learn about these things in the classroom and read about them, but hearing experiences like his is where real change is made.”

Cadet 1st Class Benjamin Sceats helps Chief Master Sgt. Robert Gutierrez Jr. fold the American flag during the National Character and Leadership Symposium at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Feb 20, 2025. The theme for the symposium is Warfighters to Win. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

Gutierrez emphasizes a mission-focused mindset

To close his presentation, Gutierrez and Cadet 1st Class Benjamin Sceats held the American flag as Gutierrez reinforced his final point. He wants cadets to carry the message that the mission should always be paramount in their mindset, no matter the circumstances. As future military leaders, Gutierrez wants the cadets to understand the significance of their future roles. Our nation’s military never retreats. It is mission-focused, and its people understand the importance of protecting our nation.

“This is what we fight for,” Gutierrez said. “The flag never retreats. This is the message that I’m asking you to carry in your journey. Now is the time to prepare yourselves.”

Additional interactions with Gutierrez

Cadets spent time with Gutierrez during NCLS outside of his speaking engagements. Gutierrez ate breakfast with U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School cadet candidates. He toured the Human Performance Lab and the combat arms training and maintenance team range with the Combat Shooting Team. Gutierrez also joined cadets from the Sandhurst and Special Warfare cadet clubs for a workout.

“Chief Master Sgt. Gutierrez talked to us about the rule to never quit,” said Cadet 1st Class Ryan Tremain, Sandhurst cadet in charge. “Equally impactful was his discussion about caring for your people. He emphasized the need to set the training pace to ensure that nobody is left behind, and you meet your commander’s priorities. Showing a deep level of care for your teammates is a massive hallmark of what makes Chief Gutierrez an exceptional Airman and operator.”

See more photos from NCLS.