Representatives from enlisted tiers speak at SNCO induction

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sandra Marrero
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  For the first time in Moody Air Force Base, Ga.,  history, speakers from the three enlisted tiers shared their perspectives at a senior NCO induction ceremony, held at the Moody Field Club, July 26.

The ceremony's theme was "active and visible, deliberately developing Airmen."

The first speaker, representing the Airman tier, shared how mentorship from master sergeants helped him progress in his career.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Dominique Castillo, 23d Force Support Squadron food services specialist, said a master sergeant took him under her wing and motivated him to get involved in the community and pursue his goals.

"Due to her motivation, I was fortunate enough to be selected as senior airman below-the-zone, as well as 23d Wing Airman of the Year," said Castillo.

He also said while preparing for his first deployment, another senior NCO encouraged him to perform at his best during combat-skills training.

"I did not realize it at the time, but not only was he challenging me, he was also instilling me with the confidence I truly needed for my first deployment," said Castillo.

As an Airman, Castillo said he received plenty of mentorship from his senior NCOs. But Staff Sgt. Albert Whidby, 23d Operations Support Squadron air traffic control systems specialist, said in some instances, NCOs may not receive it as much.

"...As an Airman, we receive all of the mentoring in the world, even if we didn't ask for it," said Whidby. "Often times as an NCO, we are just told to get things done without any type of explanation or mentoring."

In his speech, Whidby encouraged the inductees, as they grow, to take on more responsibility and continue grooming and developing their NCOs.

The final speaker, representing the senior NCO tier, stood behind Whidby's statement.

"Developing our Airmen should not stop when they become NCOs, because it's a continuous process," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Goetz, 93d Air Ground Operations Wing command chief, "...Because of the additional responsibilities placed on NCOs, our mentoring and coaching need to be intensified."

Goetz believes the airman and staff sergeant perspectives are integral to a senior NCO's job.

"Airman Castillo and Sergeant Whidby just handed you the keys to success on a silver platter," said Goetz. "You just have to make the time to be engaged in the lives of your Airmen and NCOs.