Yokota’s first sergeants host Diamond Mentoring Seminar

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John D. Partlow
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Yokota's first sergeants held a Diamond Mentoring Seminar here Aug. 27-30 to inform people of the roles and responsibilities of a first sergeant.

Attendees of the class consisted of technical sergeants and senior NCOs who were interested in becoming first sergeants, whether in a fill-in or full-time capacity.

"I wanted this class to open the attendees' eyes to all of the issues their Airmen face, and I want them to understand where they can interject themselves to help their Airmen make their lives better," said Master Sgt. Paul Stansbury, 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant and seminar instructor.

Even if an attendee decides not to become a first sergeant, the seminar is intended to help in other ways.

"This class is important because it expands the professional growth of an NCO," said Stansbury. "It also gives them a good foundation if they do decide to step into the first sergeant role."

The class focuses on topics such as disciplinary actions, personnel programs, domestic violence issues, dormitory policies and Sexual Assault Response Program information.

"I want attendees to put themselves in the scenarios we give them," said Stansbury. "I want them to think, 'Well what would I do if I were filling in for the first sergeant and I had to respond to a sexual assault?'"

Master Sgt. Shanti Leiker, 374th Operations Support Squadron first sergeant, enjoyed the seminar as an attendee and liked a specific characteristic of the seminar.

"I like the variety of briefers coming from the specific backgrounds they cover," she said. "I also enjoyed the perspectives of the first sergeants briefing various subjects."

While the seminar is meant to inform attendees of a first sergeant's role, Stansbury has an additional goal in mind.

"Sometimes this class can spark a fire in somebody to become a full-time first sergeant," said Stansbury. "I love seeing people walk away with that fire."