NCOs attend annual First Sergeant Symposium

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kevin West
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Yokota Air Base, Japan --  More than 40 Noncommissioned officers attended the annual First Sergeant Symposium, July 24-27, at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

The role of a first sergeant is to take care of the needs of Airmen including their health, morale, discipline and welfare. Those in attendance learned the importance of being a first sergeant.

“Our job is people,” said Master Sgt. Kenneth Drefke, 36th Airlift Squadron first sergeant. “To be able to help Airmen in any way possible is a huge responsibility that I don’t take lightly. I still have a lot to learn in this position. I think that every first sergeant will tell you that we never stop learning. It is a very rewarding position.”

The purpose of events like this one is to not only teach additional duty first sergeants what it means to fill the role, but also to share knowledge with those who might be interested in wearing a diamond of their own one day.

One attendee, Tech. Sgt. Jamar Selvy, 374th Military Personnel Squadron NCOIC of customer support, strives to one day wear a diamond on his sleeve.

“I am a people person,” said Selvy. “I understand that the mission is always first, but I think that people make the mission happen and if you don’t take care of them the mission won’t get done. I like to engage people one-on-one and help them strive to meet their goals. I like to see others be successful.”

The four day course consisted of academics provided by the U.S. Air Force First Sergeants Academy for senior NCOs with the knowledge to better serve commanders on issues impacting Airmen. With this knowledge, first sergeants can do what they do best, taking care of the needs of Airmen.