Commander shadows Airman for a day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christopher Reel
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Fighter Wing commander learned the duties of a 325th Medical Group Airman Feb. 1 as part of the Airman's Shadow program.

Colonel David E. Graff, 325th FW commander, shadowed Senior Airman Vermont Graves, 325th Aerospace Medicine Squadron public health technician, while he performed his daily responsibilities at the 325th MDG.

Airman Graves showed the commander his daily duties as a public health technician.

"I briefed Col. Graff on the processes occupational health has in place to help conserve the hearing of our Air Force personnel," said Airman Graves. "Some of those processes included conducting hearing exams, fitting personnel for hearing protection devices, and educating noise-exposed personnel on the hazards of noncompliance."

I also showed him one of our occupational health case files. Case files are our way of communicating with the hazardous shops on base of their educational and exam requirements."

During Airman Graves' assignment at Tyndall, he has conducted and tracked more than 1,000 occupational health exams leading to a 99.1 percent occupational health rate, which is ranked number one in the Air Force. He has also devoted more than 500 hours with Tyndall's Honor Guard and participated in more than 30 ceremonies, which honored local veterans.

"Airman Graves is a true professional who give his duties 100 percent and always puts the patients' needs first," said Senior Airman Graves' supervisor, Tech. Sgt. Jamie Nazario, NCO in charge of public health."

During the commander's shadow, Airman Graves was able to display his hard working character.

"It was a great opportunity and experience for me personally to have the commander come sit down just to see some of the stuff I do on a daily basis," Airman Graves said. "The Airman Shadow is a great program and opportunity for both an Airman and commander. It's a good way for an Airman to show leadership just how they impact the mission."

The Airman's Shadow program is a 325th FW commander program designed to recognize 325th FW personnel. The program provides an opportunity for the commander to meet with the Airmen and get a first-hand look at what Tyndall Airmen are doing.