First Airmen enhancement seminar deemed success Published April 23, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Robert L. McIlrath 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The very first Airman enhancement seminar April 21, 2014, first-term Airmen at the Professional Development Center here, a chance to see the potential of what their Air Force career holds. The purpose of the seminar is for Airmen to bridge the gap between First-Term Airmen Center and their first professional military education course such as Airman Leadership School or the non commissioned officer academy. A total of 52 Airmen, from both the 82nd Training Wing and the 80th Flying Training Wing, attended the seminar to get an early preview of some of the multiple career management tools available to them. Senior Master Sgt. Maripi Whitman, Team Sheppard career assistance advisor, came up with the idea of the seminar. "We already have a non commissioned officer professional enhancement seminar," Whitman said. "I wanted to see how this would go." The Airmen attending got the opportunity to hear from a variety of panels including the command chiefs from the 82nd TRW and 80th FTW, senior leadership and squadron superintendents. They were provided lunch and career counseling by the first sergeants panel. "The Level of engagement and discussion was informative," said Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson, 82nd TRW wing staff agency. "Communicating effectively in the Air Force is paramount and getting a glimpse of what that looks like through the eyes of senior leadership was invigorating." Some of the other topics covered were handling diversity in the Air Force, sexual assault, prevention and response, effective communication along with briefings by the Area Defense Council and Legal. The Airmen also participated in an open ranks uniform inspection. "I think it was a good opportunity to learn how to better ourselves as Airmen," said Airman 1st Class Gabriel Rodriguez, 82nd Force Support Squadron customer support technician. "It reminded us about a lot of things we tend to forget as a first-term Airmen." The next Airman enhancement seminar is being planned for October 2014.