News

Special duty special edition: First sergeants

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  In order to fill its unique mission requirements, the Air Force employs servicemembers in specialized positions to perform in a specific duty. These special duties allow Airmen to step outside their conventional role and experience a completely new side of the Air Force. One such position is the first sergeant, a position filled by Master Sgt. Jennifer Hellwig, 436th Aerial Port Squadron.

"As a first sergeant, I am responsible for the morale, health and welfare of servicemembers and civilians in my charge," said Sergeant Hellwig. "I am also a primary advisor to the commander on enlisted personnel matters."

Sergeant Hellwig has been a first sergeant for nearly three years, serving at 436th Civil Engineers Squadron, 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron and 436 APS. She is responsible for more than 500 servicemembers and handles a variety of issues, primarily legal and disciplinary affairs. In addition, she performs various activities aimed at supporting servicemembers, such as such delivering treats to Airmen.

"Most of my interactions with servicemembers involve enforcing standards and teaching resiliency," said Sergeant Hellwig. "However, there are times when people will stop by just to get personal issues off their chest."

One of the most frequent challenges first sergeants face is finding the balance between being supportive and laying down the law. Being too frank and callous may ostracize people looking for support, yet too much lenience allows for relaxed standards.

"When I became a first sergeant, initially I was too soft with my Airmen; I always felt their pain and wanted to believe their story," said Sergeant Hellwig. "Then I tried being somewhat iron-fisted, which also didn't work well. Finally, I found that emotionally-sound middle ground that all good first sergeants use."

She attributes her successful tenure as first sergeant largely to her ability to efficiently solve problems with emotional clarity. However, this ability did not come without training.
In order to sit in a first sergeant's seat, servicemembers must be recommended by their command chief master sergeant and commander, posses a Community College of the Air Force degree, complete Senior Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Education, and attend a three-week fist sergeant academy.

"Your career should speak for itself," said Sergeant Hellwig. "Becoming a first sergeant is a difficult process without a track record of going beyond the standard."

Sergeant Hellwig continues to push the standard in her work today by reaching out to Airmen in creative ways.

"I really admire the way she gets involved with the families of the Airmen here," said Shahrukh Chinoy, 436 APS program manager. "She makes them feel welcome in the squadron."

Between meeting families, keeping servicemembers on the right path, and advising base leadership in the best interest of her enlisted personnel, first sergeants face a unique challenge every day.

"I became a first sergeant because early in my career, I watched my first sergeant enjoy his work every day," said Sergeant Hellwig. "My experience as first sergeant hasn't been much different."