Airmen gather for professional development conferences

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Sean E. Cobb
  • Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  Airmen from around the globe will assemble in San Antonio for the Air Force Sergeants Association Professional Airmen's Conference Aug. 23 to 27.

"This conference is a tremendous opportunity for those serving in and supporting our Air Force to meet and share their knowledge and ideas," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley.

The conference consists of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force's Conference, the 14th Annual Worldwide First Sergeants Conference, the Barnes Center for Enlisted Education Commandants Conference and several other military conferences in addition to the overarching AFSA conference.

The conferences will come together for professional development sessions where senior legislative decision-makers, Department of Defense and Air Force senior leaders, war historians and other professional speakers will share information and insight with attendees.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief McKinley both will address the full assembly during the course of the conference.

The theme for this year's PAC conference is "The Total Air Force: Heritage - Honor - Valor - Vision."

AFSA is an international organization comprising Air Force enlistees of all grades, both active and retired, including Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. The organization is a federally chartered, non-profit organization representing the professional and personal interests of its members.

"Air Force professional organizations are important to Airmen, their families and the mission," Chief McKinley said. "These organizations enhance the professional development of our Airmen and provide visibility for our air, space and cyberspace missions at regional and local levels around the nation."

The first sergeants conference is an outstanding venue to share the most current information with the field, said Chief Master Sgt. Sandy Miller, the Air Force first sergeant special duty manager.

"Bringing together first sergeants from bases around the globe enhances cross-communication to enlisted leaders who are key to the morale, welfare and leadership of our Airmen," Chief Miller said. "Subject-matter experts and leaders brief active-duty, Reserve and Guard first sergeants on updates to issues and challenges surrounding our enlisted force and their families."

Throughout the week, the first sergeants will meet and discuss updates on numerous programs such as enlisted professional military education, fitness, incorporating force support squadrons and the consolidation of the finance center.

During their conference sessions, command chief master sergeants from the major commands, field operating agencies and direct reporting units will discuss enlisted personnel and training issues and receive briefings on legislative initiatives, retention and recruiting. These senior enlisted leaders also will meet with first sergeants and other Air Force leaders to work Air Force focus areas and quality-of-life programs.

"By bringing our senior enlisted leaders together to participate in discussions and hear briefers from across the Air Force spectrum, we better enable our senior enlisted leaders to address Air Force focus areas from a timely and relevant perspective," Chief McKinley said.

There are several good reasons for Airmen to attend the conference, said Tech. Sgt. Jodi Epps, the Pentagon's AFSA Chapter 300 president, but one of the best is the opportunity to hear first-hand from Air Force leaders and historical figures. 

"It's really neat that Airmen can brush elbows with leaders like the chief master sergeant of the Air Force and former chief master sergeants of the Air Force," she said. "To hear them speak, to sit in the same room with them, really motivates you and charges you up to go out and do a better job."

It's important for Airmen to support and attend this significant enlisted force event because, Sergeant Epps added, "AFSA works for us. They fight for our pay raises, our education and healthcare benefits and many of the other things we need. We should really support them." 

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