Once an Airman, always an Airman! Dover NCOs attend conference to discuss current issues

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Two base first sergeants and the career assistance advisor represented Team Dover to discuss Air Force-wide issues at the Air Force Sergeants Association Professional Airman's Conference in Orlando, Fla., Aug. 19 through Aug. 24.

Master Sgt. Kevin Craig, 9th Airlift Squadron first sergeant, Master Sgt. Tangie Ulrich, 436th Airlift Wing CAA, and Master Sgt. Gerald Barnett, 436th Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, were the three hand-picked senior NCOs selected to represent Dover Air Force Base at the conference.

Dover senior NCOs bring back ideas:

"I have to admit the first year I didn't quite know what to expect and went thinking it was going to be a so-called 'boon doggle,'" said Sergeant Ulrich. "However, my perception of what to expect was far from what actually occurred."

From checking in until checking out five days later, each minute of each day was filled with structured meetings and professional development briefings, she explained. Conference attendees' days did not end with the daily briefing closing either. Every evening had an event, two of which were formal dinners to recognize AFSA chapter divisions followed by the Honors Banquet where the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Award recipients were recognized.

Sergeant Ulrich and the other Air Force CAAs stayed busy working on professional development issues and revamping the First Term Airman Center curriculum, she said.

Sergeant Craig agrees that the days were busy. But the opportunity to meet with Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley and the other attendees made it all worth while, he said.

"We got to talk with Chief McKinley about everyday issues our Airmen are facing," said Sergeant Craig. "Also, we got the chance to bounce ideas and realistic goals off fellow first sergeants, career assistance advisors, MAJCOM command chiefs, (Professional Military Education) commandants from bases around the world, and Reserve and Air National Guard advisors and recruiters. There was a wealth of experience and ideas to be shared by all."

There seemed to be three major topics addressed there, he said. The Airman's Creed, the Air Force Chief of Staff's top-three priorities and change.

"It is expected our Airman's creed is to be memorized," said the sergeant. "Also, all Dover Airmen must know our three Air Force priorities - to win the war on terrorism, recapitalize our fleet and develop and care for our Airmen. The final thing I brought back from the conference is our service is changing and will continue to change. We adapt well to an ever-evolving enemy and we do that well because of our ability to change. I have been briefing my squadron on these three issues since my return."

Sergeant Barnett plans to use some of the ideas he absorbed there to benefit his maintenance squadron here.

"I think all three of us learned a lot that our units and the base can benefit from," he said. "I'm glad to have gotten the opportunity to attend."

Chief McKinley's strategic focus:

"Air Force professional organizations are important to Air Force people and the mission," said Chief McKinley. "These organizations enhance the professional development of our Airmen and provide visibility for our air, space and cyberspace missions at a grassroots-level around the nation."

AFSA is a group of Airmen who are active in the Air Force or who have been in the service, including retirees and veterans. These Airmen go to Capitol Hill and fight for enlisted rights in the Air Force to improved quality of life and economic fairness that will support the well being of Air Force enlisted Airmen and their families.

"This conference is an excellent opportunity for today's Airmen to meet with our knowledgeable and experienced veteran Airmen to discuss topics and issues important to the Airmen, their families and the mission," said Chief McKinley.

During this week, the first sergeants also came together for their 13th annual worldwide first sergeants conference.

"The first sergeants conference enhances cross-communication to these senior enlisted leaders who are key to the morale, welfare and leadership of our Airmen," said Chief McKinley. "Subject matter experts brief total force first sergeants on upcoming changes in the Air Force, leadership challenges, quality-of-life, health, morale and welfare matters."

Throughout the week, the first sergeants and Airmen met daily for updates on different programs such as enlisted professional military education, Air Force Aid, Air Force Enlisted Village, the Airmen and Family Readiness Center and professional development.

MAJCOM command chief master sergeants also took part in the conference activities via discussions and by sitting on a board of chiefs to determine awards for different Airmen.

"By bringing our MAJCOM command chief master sergeants and other senior enlisted leaders together to participate in discussions and hear topics from briefers across the Air Force spectrum, we better enabled our senior enlisted leaders to address top Air Force issues from a timely and relevant perspective," said Chief McKinley.

Airmen shared what they learned at the conference with their home units.

"Our veteran AFSA members are still serving," said Chief McKinley. "They support and actively advocate our on-going efforts to fight the global war on terror while procuring state-of-the-art weapons systems and taking care of Airmen and their families ... once an Airman, always and Airman!"

(Some information for this story provided by Air Force print news)