Diamonds are an Airman’s best friend Published Feb. 7, 2013 By Senior Airman Elizabeth Van Patten 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- The 94th Airlift Wing First Sergeant's Council met to discuss issues that affect Airmen, first sergeant vacancies and the announcement of the new executive committee within the council on 4 Jan. in the 94th AW headquarters building on base. In addition, the council announced who would serve in the positions of president, vice president, secretary and treasurer on the council - with Master Sgt. Patrina Sheffield, 94th Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, taking over from outgoing president, Master Sgt. Stephen Winters, 94th Force Support Squadron first sergeant. "Goals for the year include physical fitness, promotions and doing well in our upcoming exercises and inspections," said Sheffield. "We are an every-changing Air Force, so first sergeants will need to focus on mentoring Airmen and helping them adjust to Reserve life as well as assisting in any way we can to help them achieve career - military and civilian - and educational goals." Rounding out the officers on the council are Master Sgts. George Curry, 94th Communication Squadron first sergeant, and Travon Dennis, 94th Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant, and Senior Master Sgt. David Strickland, 80th Aerial Port Squadron first sergeant, vice president, secretary and treasurer, respectively. Each member of council brings their own experiences to the table. We need airmen to be open and honest - go visit your first sergeant, according to Dennis. They can be a great source for advice if a member is debating how they should handle any given situation. It is always best to talk to your first sergeant before a situation gets out of hand. Airmen should not have to take on overwhelming burdens alone. The council also spoke with Chief Master Sgt. Wendell Peacock, 94th AW command chief, about possible fiscal challenges the wing will face. "We are getting the new year started off well," said Peacock. "Unfortunately, we are under a lot of funding restraints. Going over-budget is a punishable offense. We are good at managing our spending here at the 94th AW, but we will also have to keep everything in perspective. At the command level, we are running a lot of financial drills to see how different cuts will affect each wing in the Reserve." Despite the cutbacks, the 94th AW will continue to press on and execute the mission, according to Peacock. Airmen will be relied upon to find new and innovative ways to operate. During the unit training assembly immediately following this recent meeting, Peacock also spoke with the First Four on the same issues at their monthly meeting. Peacock also confirmed that there are seven first sergeant vacancies within the wing, and is waiting on additional application packets. If you would like to apply for a first sergeant position, please contact your current first sergeant or Master Sgt. Patrina Sheffield by email at patrina.sheffield.1@us.af.mil.
