'We work for our Airmen'

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Abigail Klein
  • 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs
Despite being on-call 24 hours a day and often working irregular hours, first sergeants and acting first sergeants from the 931st Air Refueling Group took time from their busy schedules and gathered this week at a First Sergeants Symposium here Sept. 15 through Sept. 17. 

Though formal training for first sergeants takes place Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Ala., those who attended this symposium used this as a refresher training.

The symposium organized by Master Sgt. Wallace Brannen, 931st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, reviewed issues including non-judicial punishment, family care plans, and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).  Knowledge of these particular issues is extremely crucial for first sergeants, especially when working with traditional reservists, said Brannen.
 
"[During this training] we highlighted stuff that is both important to them and their people," he said.  "As a first sergeant, it's important to remember that my Airmen don't work for me, I work for them."

Those who attended the class walked away with further insight into issues they might have not deal with as first sergeants.  Master Sgt. Brannen Parrish, 931 Force Support Squadron first sergeant, only recently became a first sergeant this past year, agreed that the refresher training was helpful.

"The symposium allowed us to get refreshed on our education as first sergeants. which is really important because it will benefit our Airmen so we can take better care of them and their needs," he said.

Airmen who are interested in becoming a first sergeant, should contact their unit supervisor or first sergeant.