Shirt's Corner: Simple questions don’t always beg simple answers

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Aaron Lewis
  • 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  "Hey shirt, got a minute?"

While these five words are formed into a simple question, when they are asked to an Air Force first sergeant, they are likely to change the course of that first sergeant's day. Chances are, the person asking the question is in some form of distress or needs assistance, and it is the first sergeant's responsibility and mission, to provide that "minute" of time.

Quite often that simple question is followed by another simple question, "Do you mind if I close the door?" Let me share something with you. When the first sergeant's door closes for privacy, it is very rare the issue is resolved in a minute.

Situations when an Airman may find themselves in need of a first sergeant's counsel or direction may be simple, such as a parking ticket or traffic violation. But there are times when the situation is more serious, like the death of a loved one. Regardless of the seriousness of the matter at hand, a first sergeant knows both are significant in the life of an Airman.

The first time an Airman asked me one of the above questions was during my first week as a first sergeant. The adrenaline immediately started flowing. Fortunately, the situation was relatively easy to address. However, when the phone rang for the first time at 0230 hours and the doctor said, "I have a quick message for you regarding one of your Airman who has been admitted," that adrenaline went into overdrive.

Remember when your mother used to say nothing good happens after midnight? Trust me; it is a pretty accurate statement in the life of a first sergeant. Fortunately for today's Airman, first sergeants stand ready to assist in all circumstances such as these.

To look at the day in the life of a first sergeant, one can think of the phrase "jack of all trades, master of none." Shirts, as we are affectionately called, are not financial advisors, marriage counselors or attorneys. But most of us have names and telephone numbers for these specialists stored in our cell phones. We are not private investigators or taxi drivers, but I'm pretty sure we have all done these jobs to assist our Airmen.

A first sergeant will do whatever it takes to help their unit's Airmen, or we will exhaust all efforts to find the expert who can. A shirt will coordinate a break for a deployed spouse or will have a tissue handy as an Airman sheds tears during trying times. A shirt will help an Airman coordinate with a funeral home when a member loses a loved one. They will also ensure diapers and groceries are purchased for a family in need.

While there are a variety of agencies and resources available to assist an Airman in need, it's the first sergeant who frequently points them in the right direction and helps get the ball rolling or even connect the Airman to the agency.

Hopefully, when an Airman leaves their first sergeant's office, the last words out of their mouth is "thank you," because, the shirt knows the next knock on the door is likely to be followed by, "Hey shirt, you got a minute?"