Senior enlisted leader summit set for May

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (AFNS) --  The Air Force's top enlisted leader is set to convene the 2009 Senior Enlisted Leader Summit May 3 to 8 at Maxwell Air Force Base's Gunter Annex, Ala. Command chief master sergeants, career field managers, professional military education commandants and other key senior enlisted leaders from Air Force active duty, Reserve and the Air National Guard will attend the summit.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley is gathering more than 350 Air Force senior enlisted leaders for the summit with the theme "Leading Today, Preparing for Tomorrow." 

There will be numerous speakers from the headquarters staff and around the Air Force who will discuss issues affecting today's Air Force as well as seek feedback from the attendees. Topics on the agenda range from retraining; enlisted force development; wounded warrior care; family readiness; strategic communication and many more.

Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. William M. Fraser III is scheduled to address the summit along with several other senior leaders. Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston is also scheduled to speak and will bring a joint perspective to the summit. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion with several former chief master sergeants of the Air Force.

"We have scheduled a variety of speakers and are striking a balance between dissemination of information, motivation and dialogue," Chief McKinley said.

"The Senior Enlisted Leader Summit has always provided a 'one-stop-shop' environment to obtain updates to critical programs affecting our airmen, gain insights into mission focus and changes, and to provide comments and feedback to our senior Air Force leaders," said Chief Master Sgt. Brye McMillon, the Air University command chief master sergeant. 

"This summit allows for an exchange of ideas, sharing of benchmark programs, and an environment for mentoring those new to the position. And this year will be no different. We'll walk away from the event better just for being there, and better able to serve all Airmen," he said. 

The summit will begin with a day of athletic conditioning and physical training on May 4. 

"We are warriors," Chief McKinley said. "To remain ready for our demanding war-time missions, all Airmen must maintain the highest levels of fitness and healthy, well-rounded lifestyles."

The third annual SEL summit is shaping up to be a productive event. "It's very important for all of us to be on the same page," Chief McKinley said. "We serve during challenging and exciting times, and we are all working together for the common good of our Air Force and our nation," he said. 

"Having the Air Force's senior enlisted leaders gather for this summit serves to make us all more efficient and effective as we lead America's Airmen into the future."

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