Airmen from the 192nd Figther Wing Junior Enlisted Council host their first “Ask the Chiefs Panel” Feb. 10, 2013 at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. The panel provided members and potential members a unique opportunity to ask questions ranging from career development concerns to mentorship guidance. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Meghan Skrepenski, Virginia Air Guard Public Affairs)
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. — Airmen from the 192nd Fighter Wing Junior Enlisted Council hosted their first “Ask the Chiefs Panel” at Joint Base Langley-Eustis Feb. 10, 2013. The panel provided members and potential members a unique opportunity to ask a variety of questions directly to senior state and wing enlisted personnel. The chiefs included Command Chief Master Sgt. Jeffery Frazier, Virginia Air National Guard state command chief master sergeant, Chief Master Sgt. Jay Ellis, 192nd Intelligence Squadron, and Chief Master Sgt. Kimberly Holloway, 192nd Operations Group.
As the Virginia Air National Guard state command chief master sergeant, Frazier serves as advisor to the Adjutant General of Virginia and the Air Component Commander on quality-of-life issues and concerns of the enlisted corps.
Frazier asked the Airmen pointedly, “What are you doing to fulfill the TAG’s vision with Virginia? Specifically, what are you doing to make the Virginia Air National Guard ready, responsive and relevant?” Frazier continued with advice on how to rise up as the next level of leaders, pursue further education and training and to always look for opportunities to help and grow.
“I think the panel was great,” remarked Airman 1st Class Scott Myers, a potential member to the JEC. “I was excited about the opportunity to speak with leadership about relevant issues.”
The 192nd FW Junior Enlisted Council was organized in 2012. The organization of approximately 40 members varies in rank from airmen first class newly returned from basic and technical training to technical sergeants looking to advance to the next rank structure. The focus of the JEC is to provide military professional development, foster camaraderie and sponsor a forum of discussion to deliver the issues of the Junior Enlisted to higher leadership.
The goals of the JEC are to boost morale and continue to grow and mentor the Junior Enlisted of the Wing. Future endeavors include fund raising, working with charitable organizations, and additional professional development sessions.
The questions posed to the chiefs included a variety of topics and ranged from squadron specific questions, to raising morale with the newest service members, to career development concerns, and how to develop mentorship guidance.
“The chiefs support our efforts and encourage growth and development within our organization,” said Tech. Sgt. Kristy Price, president of the 192nd JEC. “Their stories of career progression were inspiring and my major take away from this event was if you are flexible and open for change, you will succeed in this Wing.”
The information and advice given to the Airmen in attendance varied from operations tempo and work rest cycles to personal responsibility as a supervisor and how each individual must actively work to make the organization the best they can.
Holloway stated, “…all must take personal responsibility as the equipment we use and maintain is expensive but personal safety and human lives are much more important.”
“The Ask the Chiefs panel was instrumental in providing feedback on career development,” said Tech. Sgt. Carla Quarles, of the 192nd Comptroller flight. “It was nice to know that the ideas presented to them were important.”
Quarles also commented on one key point from the panel, “…just how important using your chain of command to address issues is, and to continue to follow up with them.”
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