Airmen throw surprise party for first sergeants Dec. 9

Airman 1st Class Austin Livengood, 28th Communications Squadron knowledge management journeyman, left, hands Master Sgt. Tametha McNelley, 28th CS first sergeant, a thank you card at a first sergeant surprise party at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 9, 2015, honoring them for the support they give Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Sadie Colbert/Released)

Airmen throw surprise party for first sergeants Dec. 9

Master Sgt. Jennifer Thielke, 28th Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, looks at a thank you poster from her unit during a first sergeant surprise party at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 9, 2015. First sergeants are 24/7 special duty senior NCOs who provide a dedicated focal point for readiness, health, morale, welfare and quality-of-life issues within their organization. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Sadie Colbert/Released)

Airmen throw surprise party for first sergeants Dec. 9

Master Sgts. David Moats, 28th Munitions Squadron first sergeant, left, Tametha McNelley, 28th Communications Squadron first sergeant, center, and Jennifer Thielke, 28th Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, right, look at their organizations’ gifts at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 9, 2015. The first sergeants were presented a mug, small tool set and lantern at a surprise party organized to show appreciation for what they do for Ellsworth Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Sadie Colbert/Released)

Airmen throw surprise party for first sergeants Dec. 9

Published Dec. 14, 2015
By Airman Sadie Colbert
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- With the assistance of dorm managers, Ellsworth Airmen threw a surprise party Dec. 9 for their first sergeants, or "shirts," as a thank you for all they do.

Once they arrived, the shirts were presented a signed card from their organization and gifts of appreciation.

"We put [the party] together because first sergeants do so much for our Airmen in the dorms," said Airman 1st Class Julia Wagner, 28th Medical Operations Squadron mental health technician. "They are always helping us by looking out for our Airmen, so we want to give back to them and say thank you."

A first sergeant is a 24/7 special duty senior NCO who provides a dedicated focal point for readiness, health, morale, welfare and quality-of-life issues within their organization.

Staff Sgt. Crystal Frazier, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen dorm leader, is personally grateful for what her first sergeant did for her as a young airman.

As an airman first class and single parent, she dealt with financial hardships during the holidays. One morning her first sergeant arrived at her home with a Thanksgiving package and brought her five bags of Christmas presents for her family.

"It really touched me because my first sergeant made me feel like I was supported by the Air Force when I felt like I was alone," Frazier said. "[Now] I buy five families a turkey package each year."

Wagner said the little things, like being able to go to your shirt for help, are what matter.

"It's humbling and we were not expecting it," said Master Sgt. Patrick Hill, 28th CES first sergeant. "For someone to say, this is a party for you for all you have done for us - that's awesome."