USAFE First Sergeants’ Conference provides venue for change

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Gino Mattorano
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  "I am a First Sergeant. My job is people-Every One is my Business. I dedicate my time and energy to their needs; Their health, morale, discipline and welfare."
- First Sergeant Motto

First sergeants from across U.S. Air Forces in Europe represented their bases at the 2009 USAFE First Sergeants' Conference June 14-17 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

The conference provides an opportunity for first sergeants to discuss common concerns, address policy improvements, simplify processes and address issues that affect enlisted Airmen.

The conference kicked off with opening remarks from USAFE Vice Commander Maj. Gen. William Chambers, who challenged attendees to develop solutions to challenges facing the force.

"One of our primary goals at the conference is to streamline processes that will help our first sergeants take care of Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Kennedy, Headquarters USAFE first sergeant. "Our first sergeants take great pride in ensuring that Airmen have what they need so they can focus on their duties."

The conference also provided a venue for first sergeants to vote on key issues across the command that will be carried forward to the annual worldwide first sergeant conference later this year.

"This was a golden opportunity to brainstorm on different issues affecting our Airmen and a way to possibly bring these to the forefront for our Air Force leadership," said Senior Master Sgt. Derick Stepp, first sergeant for the 86th Maintenance Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and USAFE First Sergeants' Council president.

First sergeants brought up concerns ranging from pay and deployment issues, to family care and quality of life, and while not all will be submitted to the next level, the conference allowed first sergeants to collaborate and find new ways to improve quality of life for Airmen.

"Even though we elected to only submit 2 of the 21 [proposed] topics to the Worldwide First Sergeants Conference, every Airmen in USAFE can be assured that their Shirt is definitely looking out for their people," said Master Sgt. Keith Custer, first sergeant for the 435th Vehicle Readiness Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

First sergeants also benefitted from the networking and collaboration efforts the conference provided.

"It provided an opportunity to come to a professional environment, refresh old standards, garner current information and digest new ways and challenges ahead, said Master Sgt. Christopher Palmer, first sergeant for the 420th Air Base Group at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom.
"The assortment of information and ideas that were exchanged charged a wide-spread group of First Sergeants with new tools, recommendations and advice to bring back to each of their respective Wing councils."

Chief Master Sgt. Pamela Derrow, USAFE Command Chief, hosted the conference, and expressed her satisfaction with the results produced by the first sergeant team.

"This conference was important because it allowed First Sergeants from across our Command to come together and discuss the issues affecting our Airmen and their families," said Chief Derrow. "We also convened a teleconference with First Sergeants at Bagram and Djbouti so we could also discuss ways to help better prepare our Airmen to deploy downrange."

"I am very proud of the First Sergeants serving in USAFE - we simply could not get the mission done without them. "