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    Mentorship: Prepping Airmen for the future

    Mentorship: Prepping Airmen for the future

    Photo By Tech. Sgt. James Hodgman | Senior Master Sgt. Cori Croteau, 609th Air Operations Center command section...... read more read more

    AL UDEID AIR BASE, QATAR

    11.25.2015

    Story by Tech. Sgt. James Hodgman 

    379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

    AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar - More than two-dozen airmen enter the Coalition Compound gymnasium unsure of what’s to come. Thirty-five senior enlisted leaders, with more than 700 years of combined military experience, from the U.S. Air Force and Army are here to mentor them for the next 60 minutes.

    The airmen participated in a speed-mentoring event at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Nov. 25. The event featured one-on-one 7-minute mentoring sessions between airmen in the ranks of airman first class through technical sergeant, and senior enlisted leaders from AUAB.

    Master Sgt. Brent Populis, Combined Air and Space Operations Center superintendent, said its vital airmen are given career guidance.

    “The purpose of this event is to provide the knowledge and experience we have gained throughout our careers in order to better prepare airmen for the future,” Populis said. “If we can help them overcome potential roadblocks we may have faced throughout the years, why wouldn't we?”

    “The mentoring event connects our junior members with senior leaders to provide them with valuable tools in a different light,” Populis said. “We want to answer the important questions our junior airmen have and provide them the opportunity to develop the whole person concept.”

    Senior Airman Hong Kim, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing administration journeyman, said he enjoyed the chance to hear from so many senior NCOs.

    “I went to the mentoring session to gain some knowledge and answers about the things airmen should focus on so I can be a better airman,” Kim said. “I was also impressed with the diversity of the senior NCOs who made up the mentorship panel; I got to hear many different perspectives.”

    It’s important for airmen to take advantage of mentorship opportunities.

    “Today’s airmen will be tomorrow’s NCOs; it’s vital to know what’s expected of you,” he said. “In the end as long as I try my best, I’ll have no regrets.”

    U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Joseph Wilkerson, Headquarters Battery 1st Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery, served as one of the mentors for the event and said he enjoyed the opportunity to share his experience with airmen.

    “No matter what branch you’re in, we all have professional standards and core values,” Wilkerson said. “I wanted to share my 27 years of experience and this event was phenomenal. I’m grateful I was able to be a part of it.”

    During the mentoring session Wilkerson met with five airmen. Meeting these airmen and hearing their challenges and goals meant a lot to him.

    “I really enjoyed the chance to interact with airmen, talk to them and learn what they’re dealing with,” Wilkerson said. “Many had similar concerns about retention, performance, family and education.”

    One airman was seeking advice on whether he should stay in the Air Force or get out.

    “I told him ‘Don’t close any doors and keep your options open,’” Wilkerson said. “Seek out the advice of your senior leaders and ask them to share their stories, hear their struggles and seek out trusted advisers. That way you can make an informed decision.”

    U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Clifton Rush, Delta Battery, 1st Battalion, 62nd ADA, also took part in the event and had some motivational words for an airman who told him his job wasn’t important.

    “He said, ‘I’m just a personnel clerk,’” Rush said.

    Rush shared with this airman how vital he is to the mission and the importance of personnel clerks in the military.

    “I told him your job is just as important as the guy fueling the airplane, the guy cooking the food and the guy flying the jet,” Rush said.

    Rush stressed, because of the hard work personnel clerks do, service members enjoy benefits and numerous entitlements, such as pay, housing allowance and the ability to enroll in TRICARE.

    “Never underestimate your importance on the battlefield because of your job,” Rush said.

    The first sergeant with nearly 20 years of military service said he was humbled by how open airmen were with sharing their concerns. He also said he really enjoyed the opportunity to mentor Air Force members and will work with his Army counterparts to introduce a similar mentoring session for his soldiers.

    “I wish 27 years ago this was available to me,” Wilkerson added. “It was an incredible event.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 11.25.2015
    Date Posted: 11.28.2015 03:42
    Story ID: 183022
    Location: AL UDEID AIR BASE, QA

    Web Views: 99
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN