CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston, this week we held an Additional-Duty First Sergeant Symposium for 23 enthusiastic master sergeants and master sergeant selects.
These senior NCOs stepped up to join a select group of professionals who care for and champion the best interests of our enlisted force. With deployments and manning shortages, we depend heavily on these additional duty first sergeants. Since they're not official diamond-wearers, they are affectionately called "undershirts." Although they don't wear a diamond, they still take their responsibilities very seriously and commanders depend on them to take care of the day-to-day issues of the force.
A first sergeant is a valued SNCO charged with being the primary liaison between the commander and the unit on all matters concerning the enlisted members; they are the commander's eyes, ears and voice. They are trusted agents with a wealth of knowledge that enables them to counsel Airmen on where and how they can receive help when necessary. First sergeants play a key roll in most branches of the service. The only branches of service that do not have first sergeants are the Navy and Coast Guard.
Being a first sergeant requires sacrifice. They are tied to a beeper or a cell phone and are on call 24/7. Squadron members have to be able to get in touch with them anytime and anywhere to resolve issues. Their commitment is tremendous and they always rise to the challenge.
Charleston's first sergeant council is a very close-knit group. As their functional manager, I see their camaraderie and I admire how they stick together. As a peer group, they support each other whether it is advice on how to handle a challenging issue, clarification on a new process, or something as simple as a phone number; they never let each other down. This is the way it should be. Units with additional-duty first sergeants serving as the primary first sergeant lean heavily on the diamond wearers and they are never left to handle a situation alone. This is an example of Team Charleston at its best.
The Air Force is always looking for good SNCOs to serve as first sergeants. If you're interested, you can speak to me or to any diamond wearer on the base. We can guide you in the right direction to join this select group of professionals.
At Charleston AFB, it is not unusual for us to come together as a team to bring a plan to a successful end. We had another example of this last week with the Officer Spouse Association's annual fundraiser. To bring in additional funds, a pie in the face contest was conducted shortly before the silent auction began. The contest brought in $512 to bring their total to more than $3,400 for the evening with the auction. Thanks to Senior Master Sgt. Angela Valentine, 437th Services Squadron, for organizing the contest. Thanks to all those who graciously took a pie in the face for a good cause. The funds will be used for scholarships for military dependents and the first sergeant community fund which sponsors such projects as Holiday Cheer and Toys for Tots.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!