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Diamonds are an Airman's best friend

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jeffrey Faretra
  • 15th Airlift Squadron acting first sergeant
CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Air Force Instruction 36-2113 defines the role of a first sergeant as "... an expeditionary leader serving in a time honored special duty position ..."

During my 20 years of service, I've had countless first sergeants and I thought I understood what their job entailed. On Aug. 1, I was selected to be the acting first sergeant for the 15th Airlift Squadron. Looking back on that day, I realize I had little knowledge of the job and no idea of what challenges faced me.

The first month was easy.  I had a great office, my own parking spot, and a cool new Blackberry.  Then ... we deployed.

The AFI states, "... upon arrival at a deployed location, the first sergeant must render the necessary leadership to provide and sustain a mission-ready enlisted force for the commander."  Two weeks into the deployment, I found myself asking what this really meant.

On top of my official duties, was it my job to unlock the Airmen's dorm doors, drive them around the base, or pick up the new arrivals to my squadron? I found the answer to these questions to be a resounding "yes. I discovered that unlocking doors gave me the ability to see how my Airmen live. When I drove the younger Airmen around they would talk to me about what was going on in their lives, and [by] meeting the Airmen who came through the Personnel Support for Contingency Operations [I could make]them feel welcome.

As I read the AFI, I noticed there was no mention of officers, and I wondered who would take care of them. They also locked themselves out of their rooms, needed rides to work, and wanted to see a smiling face.

The second line of the first sergeant motto is, "My job is people -- every one is my business."  After reading this I realized I had 83 officers to worry about, too. At some point, instead of seeing officers and enlisted, I began to see people; they, in turn, started to call me "Shirt."

I learned that everyone talks to the first sergeant. They come in to talk about sports, they ask for personal and professional advice and they come in for a shoulder to lean on.  I realized one of the best feelings in the world is when my Airmen win awards and the worst feeling is receiving a call from the Red Cross.

I learned everyone sees the first sergeant.  If I didn't put a hat on quick enough or my hair got too long, everyone noticed.  If I was having a bad day, they all asked "why?"  If I wore a flightsuit instead of the Air Battle Uniform, everyone gave me a really hard time.

My understanding and appreciation of the first sergeant has grown throughout this experience. While I am not a diamond-wearing first sergeant, I have tried to live by their motto.

"Diamonds" are a special breed, and taking care of people is their business. Talk to them, ask them for help, and thank them for accepting the challenge.