COMMENTARY>>Little Rock, your home away from home

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

This week, I sat down with about 30 of our newest Airmen assigned to our installation in hopes of helping their transition be a smooth one.

If you look at things that create stress in life, moving is near the top of the list. There are many things connected with a change of location, such as finding your way around or even establishing positive connections within the community.

The point is we want every person who comes here to know we appreciate their contribution to our team and we start that out with a proper welcome.

I can reflect back to my first assignment in the Philippines. I was given the key to a dorm room and left there alone for my first weekend. I had no idea what the base had to offer or even how to navigate myself around the enormous base. My first impression of my unit was not a good one.

What are you doing to welcome our new people and their families to our base?

Just think about the things you needed when you arrived here. Now think about how you can help those who arrive after you integrate into our base and community.

Part of having a “people always” focus means we lean forward in our efforts to take care of one another. Something as simple as having a note from the commander, first sergeant and other key leaders can make a huge impact to someone coming to
Team Little Rock. For example every chief who arrives on this base gets a food basket for them and their family.

One of the most important functions of a unit is to have a viable sponsor program. So for those of you who have the privilege of being a sponsor, please take it seriously. We want each person to know that even though they may not be at their place of birth, Little Rock AFB is their “home away from home.”

Combat Airlift!