HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Hanscom senior noncommissioned and company grade officers met with more than 60 Air Force cadets assigned to Detachment 345 at the University of Massachusetts Lowell for a mentorship session here Nov. 19.
The Hanscom active duty Airmen spoke to the future officers about the enlisted corps, career opportunities and more.
“Detachment 345 has a strong desire to incorporate enlisted perspectives in their cadets’ training,” said Master Sgt. Ryan Dillingham, Airman Leadership School commandant, who helped organize the event. “Events like this are mutually beneficial to all involved.”
Detachment personnel spoke about how senior NCOs can help cadets as they begin their careers.
“I wanted to give the cadets an experience to sit down with senior NCOs so upon their commissioning they recognize the valuable mentoring NCOs can provide,” said Cadet Capt. Tristum Darby, a member of Det 345, who co-organized the event.
The cadets had the opportunity to ask the senior NCOs questions and then speak in smaller groups with Air Force Life Cycle Management Center-Hanscom company grade officers.
During the question and answer session, Hanscom Top Three representatives offered the future leaders advice, enlisted viewpoints on organizational structure and thoughts on customs and courtesies.
“Take ownership of whatever it is that you are tasked with; take ownership of its successes and failures and run with it,” said Senior Master Sgt. Jacob Macedo, superintendent of the Airborne Warning and Control System Capabilities Branch. “If you have been trusted with a task, own it immediately and execute it to the best of your ability.”
When asked what advice the senior NCOs would provide to their younger selves, Chief Master Sgt. Adam Page, 66th Medical Squadron superintendent, said “learn some humility in life and put yourself in other people’s shoes.”
Hanscom company grade officers provided career-field advice.
Capt. Jordan Myers, Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence and Networks Vulnerability Management program manager, said he participated in the mentoring session to share his experiences and knowledge with others so they can learn and develop.
“I want to have a positive impact on others and make sure they have the information needed to make sound decisions that benefit both themselves and the greater Air Force,” he said.
Prior to meeting with the active duty Airmen, the cadets participated in a retreat ceremony at the Airman Leadership School flagpole.