Taking care of our own

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Though Air Force first sergeants can be recognized by a diamond device in the upper blue field of their chevron, what may not be recognizable is the amount of knowledge, skill and dedication that comes with being a "shirt." 

As first sergeants, these men and women are directly responsible for the welfare, morale and conduct of all the enlisted members in their assigned squadron. They also act as the chief adviser to their unit commander on matters concerning the enlisted force.
 
In addition to these tasks, shirts need to be unofficial experts on promotions, demotions, military and civilian law, public speaking and evaluations.
 
With so many different hats to wear, the true mission of shirts is sometimes misunderstood by Airmen.
 
"It really boils down to taking care of your people," said Master Sgt. Yvonne Lopez, 28th Operations Group first sergeant. They are the ones out there working to directly support the mission.
 
Sergeant Lopez's viewpoint stems from a line in the First Sergeant motto, which is taught at the First Sergeant Academy, Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Montgomery, Ala. The line states, "my job is people - every one is my business." 

Being a part of every Airman's business sometimes means disciplining them as well. 

"As a shirt, I'm focused on how I can help get an Airman back on the right path," Sergeant Lopez said. 

Sergeant Lopez feels guiding Airmen on their career path is rewarding for a first sergeant. 

"It makes me feel like I've accomplished something when Airmen know I'm there for them," she said. 

Master Sgt. Dawn Morgan, 28th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant, has been a first sergeant for two years and said helping Airmen in difficult times is also part of the job. 

One of the most rewarding experiences I've had as a first sergeant happened early in my career as a shirt; I was able to help an Airman with a serious personal problem, she said. Later, that Airman came back to me and said I'd changed her life for the better. 

The motivation to be there for Airmen 24 hours a day, seven days a week is an important quality that Chief Master Sgt. Clifton G. Cole, 28th Bomb Wing command chief, looks for when selecting a first sergeant. 

"I look for someone who stands out among their peers as a leader and a mentor," said Chief Cole. "Genuinely wanting to serve others and support their commanders are also strong qualities that I admire in a first sergeant." 

NCOs interested in becoming first sergeants should speak with their commander before applying for the special duty assignment. After the commander approves, the package is reviewed and the candidate is interviewed by Chief Cole. He forwards the approved package to Colonel Jeffrey Taliaferro, 28th Bomb Wing commander. 

After Colonel Taliaferro approves the package it is sent to Air Combat Command and then to the Air Force Personnel Center for final approval. 

"Anyone interested in becoming a first sergeant has to be selfless and love dealing with people," said Sergeant Morgan. "Shirts focus on providing Airmen what they need, when they need it, in order to help them complete the mission." 

With dedication and training, Ellsworth first sergeants ensure Airmen continue to excel in their primary duties, strive for self-improvement and maintain the Ellsworth mission.