Airmen participate in 'speed-mentoring' event

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Kim
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) --  Dozens of Airmen received mentorship, advice and an opportunity to converse with senior NCOs at a speed-mentoring event June 21 at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

The event mimicked "speed dating." Attendees rotated from one senior NCO to another with the opportunity to ask various questions -- an attempt to garner a professional relationship to aid their military career.

The event included airmen basics through chief master sergeants and allowed them to speak one-on-one to build a professional connection in a one-hour session -- broken into five mini-sessions, said Master Sgt. Paola West, the commandant of the John C. Vincent Airman Leadership School. "Just a quick hit to get that information and to allow individuals to speak one-on-one and overcome their fears -- quick, short and to the point."

Advice from years of military experience flooded the room as the recipients of invaluable information listened intently during each round. Despite the wide array of perspectives, the best advice seemed to be the most simple.

"The best piece of advice I've received was to look out for your Airmen, take care of (them), make sure you're getting to know them personally instead of just delegating tasks and just showing up for work," said Staff Sgt. LeQuane Davis, and engineer technician for the 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron. "Get to know all your Airmen and become a great wingman."

Although the mentors' and mentees' time together was brief, the event created a foundation on which long-lasting relationships could be built.

"I think the best part of this event is hearing back from our senior NCOs and hearing they've kept in touch with their Airmen," West said.

This event could be invaluable for any Airman, regardless of rank, looking for a little direction in the military, participants said.

"They're leading the way -- you can come out and learn some things (and) meet great people," Davis said.