LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Team Lackland Airmen selected for promotion to technical sergeant had an opportunity to learn about leadership while experiencing what it means to be an Airman during the inaugural technical sergeant summit June 25.
After opening comments from Brig. Gen. Len Patrick, 37th Training Wing commander, a panel of chief master sergeants gave the Airmen hard-hitting advice and shared their expectations.
"Let us celebrate success," said Chief Master Sgt. Paul Weseloh, Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency command chief, as he opened the panel and compared the achievements of those selected for promotion with those of Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to climb Mount Everest.
The chiefs also talked about the importance of a good attitude and of leading by example.
"The Air Force needs strong leadership from its technical sergeants," said Chief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis, 37th TRW command chief. Chief Lewis also challenged all the promotees to make a pledge to take care of future Airmen.
After the chiefs' panel, the Airmen received career advice from Master Sgt. Timothy Godfrey, 37th TRW career advisor.
"Investing in your career is the best (investment plan) you can ever have," he said.
Sergeant Godfrey stressed the value of education and pointed out that both professional military education and personal education is important.
Later, the promotees had an opportunity to observe Air Force Basic Military Training milestones including the Airman's Run and the Airman's Coin Ceremony, and meet with new Airmen and their parents who shared their viewpoints and expectations of leadership.
Staff Sgt. Lucas Bishop, 37th TRW legal office, said talking with the parents has helped him think of new Airmen differently. "Before, I just saw them as new Airmen. Talking with the parents and seeing the pride on their faces, I see (Airmen) a little differently and understand how important it is to look out for them," he said.