View from the Top>>First Sergeants: people are their business

By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
19th Airlift Wing command chief

Little Rock Air Force Base is truly blessed to have the group of first sergeants that currently support all of us. They have the unique function of primarily focusing on taking care of our people and their families. The level of energy and dedication that I have witnessed from our first sergeants has been tremendous.

Each time we stand up our deployment processing line, you will always find first sergeants giving out food, comfort and good advice for those hitting the road. During our numerous exercises, you’ll see them all over our base ensuring that people are adequately prepared to handle the elements and training they encounter. Typically if there is a significant event for a military member, such as a birth or even the death of a loved one, the first sergeant is there to help our people through these emotional times.

I consider them unsung heroes of our organization. They are usually behind the scenes ensuring that our Airmen keep their heads in the game by being that counselor during good times as well as tough times. One of their greatest assets is that they are connected to many helping agencies that support our Airmen and their families and do a fine job in connecting our people with the appropriate resources.

There is no greater thing than to help develop our next line of Air Force leaders and our first sergeants fully embrace this concept through their many professional development initiatives. Our first sergeants have my total respect and Col. Otey and I value their input into how this wing is run. So if you happen to run into your first sergeant, do me a favor and give them a pat on the back, because they embody the mindset of service before self.
Combat Airlift!