HRDC helps members spread their wings

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Monica L. Dalberg
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- --  As McGuire Air Force Base saw the first snowflakes of winter to come, 514th Air Mobility Wing members migrated south to Atlanta in October for a Command Human Resources Development Council Workshop to exchange and develop ideas with other wings across the Air Force Reserve Command.

The CHRDC workshop is held by AFRC every other year and allows Active, Guard, Reserve and civilians the opportunity to learn about current issues affecting human resources and diversity within AFRC. The workshop features speakers, informational sessions and networking opportunities over three days.

The 514th AMW Commander, Col. James Kerr states the purpose of the wing's HRDC program is to establish balance between mission focus and needs of wing members. The long-term consistency of mission success is dependent upon the wing's ability to sustain the balance throughout each member's career and ultimately develop motivated, mission ready, loyal members who serve the Air Force Reserve with pride. HRDC assists the effort through outreach, recognition, mentoring, recruiting, retention and retirement as well as communication.

"Our doctrine is Airmen taking care of Airmen to help them reach their potential," said Brig. Gen. Keith Kries, the vice chairman of HRDC. "To learn how we can do that better we will hear from our junior enlisted as well as our senior leaders about issues that affect our people."

The theme for this year's workshop was "Faithful to a Proud Heritage." Maj. Gen. James Graves, Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for Reserve Matters, Washington, D.C., expanded on the theme as he discussed the impact of diversity on our nation throughout history. General Graves described roles of historical figures such as Thomas Jefferson, Sacajawea, Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr., and how their actions have brought about changes for the better in American lives and in military service.

"Various populations who were thought of as inferior proudly stand shoulder to shoulder to defend the oath today," he stated.

While some 250 AFRC members came to the workshop, the 514th had the most representatives with 15 members in attendance.

"Over the past two years we have grown tremendously," said Master Sgt. Sebrena Flagg-Briggs, 35th Aerial Port Squadron transportation manager. Sergeant Flagg-Briggs and one other 514th member attended the 2006 CHRDC workshop. "This year the 514th presence is strong," she said. "We have focused more on people and we've created more balance between the mission and personnel, because we realize growing our people is important to the mission."

The First Term Airman's Panel gave Airmen an opportunity to candidly voice their thoughts to an audience largely made up of senior officers. The Airmen answered questions regarding training, motivation, leadership qualities they find important and communication.

"The Airmen on the panel were a well-rounded representation of the younger folks in our Air Force and gave us an unedited insight into the minds of our Airmen," stated Master Sgt. Megan Parrot, a guidance and control technician with 514th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "That insight was priceless."

The workshop included sessions on mentoring, diversity, career progression, and a senior leader's panel. Speakers included Women in Aviation President, Dr. Peggy Chabrian and Tuskegee Airmen of the Atlanta Chapter, Mr. Val Archer and Mr. Ray Williams. The Tuskegee Airmen received standing ovations from the audience for their contribution to history.

"It's a beautiful idea. I'd never heard of it before, but I'm glad to be a part of it," said Mr. Williams of the HRDC.

"I always understood if you take care of your people they'll take care of the mission, but now I understand how HRDC is a catalyst for that," said Senior Master Sgt. Darlene Jackman an aviation management superintendent with the 514th AMW.

The workshop focused on the future of the Air Force as much as it lauded the history. Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr. is Chief of Air Force Reserve, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., and Commander, Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., discussed the effort required by the active duty, Reserve and Guard forces in order to ensure what he called the "synergy that works to create the country's strategic umbrella." General Stenner listed priorities as nuclear surety, ensuring members are trained, ready and capable for battle and recapitalization of assets. General Stenner also touched on topics not always raised when general officers lend their ears.

"We've got (physical training) uniforms that don't fit right and don't sound right," General Stenner stated as he assured listeners a wear test was in progress to make improvements on both PT uniforms as well as airman battle uniforms.

Colonel James Kerr attended the workshop and stressed the importance of wing members becoming involved in HRDC. 

"The mission is always going to be there...at least for another 5 or ten years," said Colonel Kerr of the Global War on Terror. "We cannot do the mission without the people," he stated. "We'll always need to recruit, equip, train, maintain and sustain those members," added Colonel Kerr, as he stressed the continuing need for senior leaders, enlisted and officers, to instill and spread good character and talent in new Air Force members. "We can teach people how to do their jobs, but it's a journey to develop our people and that is what HRDC is all about."

The 514th AMW will host the 22nd Air Force HRDC Workshop in October 2009. Thirteen units and up to 150 AFRC members from the Numbered Air Force are expected to take part in the workshop.