Airmen take trip to remember

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kevin Green
  • 14th Operations Support Squadron
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The 14th Operations Support Squadron has developed a tradition of mentoring its junior Airmen by sending them to Maxwell AFB, Ala., on a professional development trip. Nov. 3, eight Airmen led by three senior noncommissioned officers left Columbus AFB for a two-day tour of the Air Force Enlisted Heritage Hall, Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Air Force First Sergeant Academy and Officer Training School. This enlisted mentorship trip, the third trip of its kind in the 14th OSS, served as the squadron conduit to encourage young Airmen to develop a greater understanding of the enlisted rank structure. Additionally, they had the unique opportunity to view the OTS process and attend a graduation. 

One week before they departed for Maxwell AFB, each Airman met a selection board chaired by Chief Master Sgt. Glenn Shreiner, 14th OSS. Two outstanding Airmen were chosen to have their names engraved in bricks at the Air Force Enlisted Heritage Hall. Senior Airman Timothy Martinez, 14th OSS, and Senior Airman Natasha Sanders, 14th OSS, won the honor of having their names displayed at the Heritage Hall. Chief Shreiner encouraged each Airman to take advantage of this educational opportunity because it is rare to have a commander who is so devoted to enlisted professional development. We are each grateful to attend this very important mentorship trip. 

Upon their arrival at Maxwell AFB, the group spent time at the Air Force Enlisted Heritage Hall located at Gunter AFB, about 10 miles from Maxwell AFB. The Enlisted Heritage Hall is a product of the Air Force Enlisted Heritage Research Institute. Its main purpose is to preserve the history and accomplishments of its Air Force enlisted members. They were given a guided tour by Norman "Hoot" Gibson, a retired Air Force Airman and Vietnam War veteran. 

The Air Force Enlisted Heritage Research Institute does not receive money from the Air Force and must maintain its facility through donations. Gibson is a full-time volunteer at the museum where he continues to promote the Air Force core values by faithfully working 12 to 16 hour days. The displays in the Heritage Hall are quite stunning and very informative. 

Day two of the trip started with a commissioning ceremony for 84 cadets graduating from Officer Training School. One of the graduates was former master sergeant-select Ann Blodzinski from the 37th Flying Training Squadron. A parade followed the commissioning ceremony. After her commissioning, 2nd Lt. Blodzinski departed to technical school to become an Airfield Operations officer. Many elected to have their very first salute come from their loved ones, family members or spouses. 

After the graduation ceremony, the group toured the Senior NCO and First Sergeant Academies, providing them a unique perspective of their enlisted leadership and multiple levels of professional development which the Air Force offers. The final stop before heading back to Columbus AFB was the Air University Book Store where everyone had a chance to pick up to ten books of their choice, free of charge. 

Overall, the trip offered the group of enlisted members some insight and a greater sense of pride in the enlisted force.