Airman seizes development opportunity

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Vernon Cunningham
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A Sheppard Airman took full advantage of his professional development opportunity after he was selected to attend the Professional Airmen's Conference and International Convention in Atlanta, Ga, Aug. 14-19.

The PAC is sponsored by the Air Force Sergeants Association and hosts military conferences which are geared to discuss Air Force-specific business. These forums typically consist of keynote addresses from congressional decision makers, Department of Defense and Air Force senior leadership, retired leadership, professional speakers and many others.

AFSA Chapter 1054 at Sheppard wanted to ensure that a young Airman was able to attend the 2010 conference.

"We usually provide an opportunity for any Airmen who want to attend (the annual conference) by helping to defer their cost," said Master Sgt. Scott Turner, chapter 1054 president. "This year we decided to divert our cost deferment funds into sponsoring one Airman to the conference. "

Senior Airman Shane Maynard, active AFSA member, was selected by AFSA Chapter 1054 at Sheppard to receive full sponsorship for attending the conference.

Airman Maynard has been enlisted for about three years and said he appreciated the opportunity to go on his first TDY.

"I got a chance to meet people from other bases, different AFSA chapters and different major commands," Airman Maynard said. "I heard about what other bases are doing compared to what Sheppard is doing. It gave me a broader view of the Air Force."

While at the conference, Airman Maynard heard about Air Force issues from Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, a panel of retired chief master sergeants., Pacific Air Forces Commander Gen. Gary North, and other Air Force leaders and decision makers.

"You get to see how dedicated the NCOs and senior leadership, along with retired leadership, are as far as maintaining the long- and short-term benefits of the enlisted force structure," Airman Maynard said. "I had the opportunity to speak with seven retired chiefs. I even had the opportunity to directly ask questions to the current chief master sergeant of the Air Force. It was just an overall amazing experience for an Airman. I was in awe."

During the conference, Chief Roy reserved time to answer questions from the audience. Airman Maynard seized this opportunity to address an issue that was important to him.

"I asked him how we could reach out to younger Airmen and convince them to be a part of a professional organization," the Airman said. "There are many organizations to join."

Airman Maynard said he really enjoys the esprit de corps of a professional organization and having developmental opportunities like the PAC so early in his career really helped him with making informed decisions about his future.

"I have never considered hanging up my uniform before it is time for me to retire," Airman Maynard said. "But, having the opportunities I have had gives me the reassurance that I will never have a more dedicated family than the enlisted force."