CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Thank you, first sergeants!
We are moving into the holiday season and what better time to say thanks to a special group of people: squadron first sergeants.
I may be biased, but I believe we have the best first sergeants here at Charleston AFB. It takes a special individual to be a great first sergeant and I feel we, here in the 437th Airlift Wing, got it right!
First sergeants take care of people with all the resources they have available. Many times, you only hear about the disciplinary actions taken against a member, but there is so much more they do that goes unsaid and many times without thanks. They do their jobs with their ultimate goal being to help our Airmen. This may mean giving them a kick in the pants, figuratively speaking, or sending them to financial counseling, or to the education center. They genuinely care about our Airmen and will do whatever is necessary to ensure they are ready to fight this war on terrorism.
The first sergeants assist members who are preparing for deployments by ensuring they have a plan for their dependents and their personal affairs. They are a wealth of knowledge and have access to many resources. First sergeants network with each other to make things happen for the good of our Airmen. They are involved in just about everything in the wing that has to do with our Airmen.
The first sergeants are the points of contact for the annual holiday cheer and angel tree programs. These programs ensure our less fortunate Airmen have an enjoyable holiday season by providing funds and gifts during Thanksgiving and Christmas. They also work in conjunction with the Officer's Spouse Association and the chapel to ensure they have available money to assist members who may need a loan or grant. They coordinate with Air Force Aid Society to assist families with unexpected crises. They are there to walk a family and squadron through good times and bad times. You see their footprints on the monthly promotion ceremonies, quarterly and annual awards and other events from the First Term Airmen's Center to the Senior NCOs. If it involves people, the first sergeants are all over it.
There are some other special people to thank, the NCOs and SNCOs who, without hesitation, take the phone and allow the diamond wearers the opportunity to go on a temporary duty assignment to show support for our NCO Academy graduates or just take ordinary leave.
You all ensure that we, the first sergeants, get that much-needed release from time to time and I want you to know just how much we really appreciate it. Your assistance serves two-fold. We get a break and you gain personal and professional experience for what a first sergeant really deals with on a regular basis. Thank you.
First sergeants face many challenges, but because we love what we do, it is all worth it. Our families know just how busy our jobs can be, but with their love and support, we make it through. Again, take the time to thank your first sergeant for what he or she has done, is doing or will do. We don't need the thanks, but it sure feels good to know someone cares.