MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Team Moody hosted a First Sergeant Symposium Aug. 3 to Aug. 7, 2020, for first sergeants and NCOs who aspire to become first sergeants, here.
The symposium gave attendees the opportunity to learn what it takes to be a first sergeant and what agencies are available to support Moody personnel.
“I have a lot more respect for the Senior NCOs wearing a diamond and filling the first sergeant role,” said Tech. Sgt. Kareem Samuel, 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron specialist section NCO in charge. “It is a huge responsibility to be well versed in all things that our Airmen need on their best and worst days.”
During the symposium, attendees were briefed on topics such as discipline, first sergeant responsibilities and counseling.
“At the symposium, first sergeants and full-time additional duty first sergeants gave briefings,” said Master Sgt. Timothy Riley, 347th Operations Support Squadron first sergeant. “There were also briefings by base agencies such as the legal office, Airman and Family Readiness Center, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator [and more].”
In addition to briefings, there were verbal engagement activities. These activities included a feedback session, commander’s panel, first sergeant panel and chief’s panel.
“Scenarios were provided to show how situations can be handled and open a discussion on the covered topic and other instances that may have been experienced,” said Riley. “This allows additional perspectives on what to do in order to handle certain situations and assist our Airmen.”
The annual event is designed to prepare prospective first sergeants and additional duty first sergeants to temporarily fill the role of their respective shirt.
“I feel more equipped as a section chief and to fill in as an undershirt,” said Samuel. “The symposium raised my awareness about what being a first sergeant really means. Diamond or not, it is our job to make sure everything in the workplace is going well and our troops know the resources available to them in their time of need.”
The next First Sergeant Symposium will be August 2021.