180th Fighter Wing’s 2019 First Sergeant of the Year: Master Sgt. Crystal Carper

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Kregg York | U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Crystal Carper is the 180th Fighter Wing First Sergeant of the Year for 2019. The First Sergeant of the Year award recognizes a 180th Fighter Wing First Sergeant who has exhibited the most significant accomplishments in leadership, self-improvement and community service. The First Sergeant is an expeditionary leader serving in a time honored special duty position, rich in custom and tradition. They serve as the commander’s critical link within the unit for all matters concerning enlisted members.  

SWANTON, OH, UNITED STATES

01.12.2020

Story by Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker 

180th Fighter Wing Ohio National Guard

Assigned to the 180th Fighter Wing’s Mission Support Group as a First Sergeant, Carper is responsible for the readiness, health, welfare, morale and quality of life for more than 200 Airmen assigned to the wing’s Civil Engineering Squadron, Force Support Squadron, Mission Support Headquarters and Student Flight.

Her duties include representing the enlisted force as an advisor to commanders on topics including personnel programs, administrative and disciplinary actions, ensuring overall health of the force. Carper is a critical link between commanders and Airmen, providing advice and mentoring, not only to Airmen assigned to her, but also new first sergeants by sharing her knowledge and experiences, resulting in increased capabilities and readiness. Committed to continuous growth, Carper volunteered for additional training in an effort to become a better resource for Airmen. She attended a five-day First Sergeant Symposium, gaining important knowledge on resources, administrative and disciplinary programs, allowing her to better advocate for Airmen. The symposium, along with her training on incident investigations, not only prepared her to better support Airmen, but has enabled her to partner with the wing Staff Judge Advocate to assist Airmen with legal needs and better communicate policies and resources available. An ambassador to the resilience of wing members, Carper participated in a critical suicide awareness event, sharing her story with more than 1,000 Airmen in an effort to let members know they are not alone. Carper volunteers monthly with the wing’s fitness improvement program to motivate Airmen struggling to meet fitness standards, mentoring and encouraging more than 20 Airmen and reducing repeat fitness test failures. Committed to community, Carper dedicates time to supporting local organizations including the Sunshine Community Home, 12 Kids of Christmas and Adopt-A-Road.

The First Sergeant of the Year award recognizes a 180th Fighter Wing First Sergeant who has exhibited the most significant accomplishments in leadership, self-improvement and community service. The First Sergeant is an expeditionary leader serving in a time honored special duty position, rich in custom and tradition. They serve as the commander’s critical link within the unit for all matters concerning enlisted members.

• Date Taken: 01.12.2020
• Date Posted: 01.13.2020 08:49
• Story ID: 358852
• Location: SWANTON, OH, US