Chief Master Sgt. Timothy White Jr., the Chief Master Sergeant of Air Force Reserve Command, and Chief Master Chief Master Sgt. Sarah Faith, Command First Sergeant, visited 624th Regional Support Group Reserve Citizen Airmen in Hawaii and Guam, June 10-12.
During the visit, the senior leaders had an opportunity to see Pacific Warriors in action. Citizen Airmen assigned to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, demonstrated military readiness by donning their mission-oriented protective posture gear within an allotted time.
White and Faith spoke with air transportation Airmen from the 44th Aerial Port Squadron, supporting Valiant Shield 22, the U.S.-only, biennial field training exercise focused on integration of joint training in a multi-domain environment.
The senior leaders met with Army Reserve personnel from the 3302nd Mobilization Support Battalion Fort Shafter, Hawaii, who participated in joint training with the 44th APS during the exercise.
White and Faith recognized outstanding performers in the unit who exemplified the Air Force core values during an all-call. They also toured various offices to address issues affecting the Airmen and the force.
Faith, spent 11 years in Healthcare Administration career field and advises the MAJCOM Command Chief on matters concerning the discipline, health, morale, welfare, professional development, and quality of life issues impacting over 70,000 military and civilian personnel.
She had a candid conversation with medical personnel from the 624th Aerospace Medicine Squadron on the stresses and challenges faced by COVID-19 pandemic.
During The Well, the 624th RSG’s first-ever enlisted professional development course, White and Faith shared stories and advice on resiliency, how to be a better communicator and having tough conversations.
Faith shared a personal story highlighting the benefits of seeking behavioral health resources and practicing stress-management tools such as mindfulness and breathing.
“Don't be afraid to say ‘maybe I need some more tools in my toolbox to help manage all the stress that builds up,” Faith said. “I read every night before I go to bed it helps me shut down my brain.”
Launched under the leadership of Chief Master Sgt. Andrea Young, 624 RSG’s senior enlisted leader, The Well provides networking and mentorship opportunities and skills enhancement training for Airmen, E-1 to E-6.
The day-long session invites mentors and facilitators to communicate vision, instill purpose and passion for the mission, and deliberately develop the next generation of Air Force leaders.
White discussed the value of emotional intelligence, trust and transparency in building relationships with Airmen of all ranks.
“You got to be able to connect with people to have crucial and tough conversations,” White said. “I don’t have ever have a conversation about someone I am willing to have with someone.”
The event was also and opportunity for Reserve and Air National Guard members to develop relationships and interact in a joint environment.
Staff Sgt. Nicolas Garcia, a Guam Air National Guardsman from the 94th Civil Support Team, Barrigada Readiness Center, said he valued the session on communication.
“Communication is key and there can be barriers to effective communication especially when you are dealing with personalities, different career fields, and cultures,” Garcia said. “I will utilize the tools I learned here because it will help in a joint military environment.”
Citizen Airmen also participated in team-building and personality profiling exercise conducted by Mark Calvo, the 36th Wing Community Support Coordinator, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.
Master Sgt. Stanley Iakopo, 44th Aerial Port Squadron air transportation craftsman, said he decided to attend the Well training to gain a better understanding of the Airmen in his shop.
“As Senior NCOs, we need to mentor and guide our junior Airmen, so we can sustain and maintain the force,” Iakopo said. “The Well, and other programs like this, help foster the development and progression of our Airmen, so they can become better future leaders in the office, flight line and their respective career fields.”
Senior Airman Jojean Quintanilla, 44th Aerial Port Squadron air transportation specialist, said attending the event made her feel more comfortable in reaching out to her supervision.
“Attending The Well has been an enriching experience for me as a newer Airman,” Quintanilla said. “It is motivating to hear the stories and experiences from our senior leaders. I am inspired to progress and go further in my Air Force career. When I’m in their boots later, I want to offer my knowledge and wisdom to the newer, junior Airmen.”
| Date Taken: | 06.20.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 06.21.2022 19:32 |
| Story ID: | 423392 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 34 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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