NASHVILLE, Tenn. –
More than 4,000 active-duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen, Department of Defense civilians, industry partners and military families from across the Air Force came together for the 41st annual Airlift Tanker Association Convention and Symposium at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel here Oct. 29 to Nov. 1.
This annual conference brings together A/TA members in an atmosphere of camaraderie and providing them the opportunity to meet and mingle with others in their respective fields, while sharing past experiences, learning more about the present and future plans for the continuing mission of the Air Force as a whole, and celebrating each individual's unique contribution to the nation.
Open to all ranks and job fields, the convention offers many opportunities and career-broadening experiences. Charleston AFB sent 118 Airmen from both the 315th and 437th Airlift Wings to this year's A/TA convention.
Staff Sgt. Juanita Brown, a medical technician with the 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron recently became a member of A/TA and was selected to attend the convention for completing Charleston's Airman Leadership School as a distinguished graduate.
"I really enjoyed the convention," said Sergeant Brown. "I liked meeting new people from other bases - active-duty, Guard and Reserve - and hearing their views on Air Force issues."
Sergeant Brown especially benefited from seminars and major addresses, featuring top Air Force leadership.
"My favorite part was meeting our leaders and hearing their views on the future of the Air Force, and hearing that they have some of the same concerns as I do," she said.
Master Sgt. Jimmy Davenport, non-commissioned officer in charge for 437th Medical Group was also selected to attend the convention this year.
"I learned quite a bit about the concept of a 'Total Force'," he said.
Sergeant Davenport explained he was not as aware of the significant contribution of the Guard and Reserve in the overall Air Force mission prior to attending the convention.
Master Sgt. Terry Starkey, also assigned to 315 AES attended the convention for the first time.
"I got the opportunity for networking with [aeromedical evacuation] folks from other units; and the convention allowed me to get a glimpse of the 'big picture' from our Air Force leadership," said Sergeant Starkey. "But my favorite experience was meeting retired Gen. Ronald Fogleman [former Chief of Staff of the Air Force]."
The three-day convention allowed Airmen the opportunity to attend seminars focusing on key Air Force issues, ranging from enlisted force development and maximizing the post 9/11 GI Bill to discussing the imperative for a new tanker and the importance of delivering more to the joint and coalition team through innovation and lessons learned.
Major addresses were delivered by several distinguished participants, including: U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, U.S. Transportation Command Commander Gen. Duncan McNabb, Commander of Air Mobility Command Gen. Arthur Lichte, Chief of Air Force Reserve Command Lt. Gen. Charles Stenner and Director of Air National Guard Lt. Gen. Harry Wyatt III, among others.
All of the key speakers chose to focus on the importance of operating as a 'Total Force,' meaning active duty, Guard and Reserve are all part of the same family which must work together and support one another in order to succeed in the overall mission as an Air Force.
"Who substitutes the United States Air Force for the American people?" General Schwartz asked the mixed crowd of Airmen assembled in a ballroom during the convention Oct. 31. "That's why we do what we do (...) because there is no one else. From whatever command, whatever your background - this is our Air Force, our family."