NEWBURGH, N.Y. (Feb. 11, 2018) - The 105th Airlift Wing held a mentoring event at Stewart Air National Guard Base designed to expose Airmen, ranked from airman basic through staff sergeant, to leaders from across the base and learn ways to enhance themselves personally and professionally.
The event, called speed mentoring, placed groups of Airmen with a senior NCO or officer for a few minutes at a time.
The Airmen switched tables at the ring of a bell.
The event was organized by Master Sgt. Tommy Garcia, the 105th AW human resource advisor.
Garcia said mentorship is crucial in developing leaders at all levels.
"Some of the goals for an event like this is to ensure our Airmen are resilient and flexible," Garcia said.
Senior Airman Dara Zollo, a logistics management specialist, liked the stations dealing with the profession of arms the best.
"It just really reminded me of the reason I enlisted," Zollo said. "[1st Lt.] Bland reminded everyone 'this is why you rose your hand.'"
Base firefighter Staff Sgt. James Friedlander said he would recommend future events to his coworkers and he thought it should be mandatory for new Airmen.
"If this was instated 15 years ago, I might've done things differently for my career," Friedlander said.
Airmen interested in future events should monitor the wing Facebook page and the wing sharepoint for announcements.