TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE. Fla. -- Team Tyndall will now be holding a weekly “Chief Chat” open to all Airmen at Tyndall Air Force Base.
Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Sharp, 325th Fighter Wing command chief, will be hosting this informal meeting to encourage Airmen from across the installation to join him in having open conversations on various topics as well as give opportunities for networking and socialization amongst all who attend. “Chief Chat” is planned to be held every Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the 404 Commons, building 650 on Suwannee Road.
“Chief Chats are one more way to try and connect with Airmen on a personal level,” said Sharp. “It isn’t meant to be anything organized, but more of a playing ping-pong or standing around drinking a cup of coffee environment.”
The first iteration of “Chief Chat” started Sept. 29th, 2022, and had a 45-person turn-out. In the relaxed and open environment, Sharp was able to discuss topics with individuals from across base. His goal is to keep this program as consistent as possible no matter what his availability is.
“A lot of the time we think it’s about visibility as a leader,” said Sharp. “I think it’s more about accessibility. If I’m not connecting with anybody, it doesn’t do any good.”
The event is intended for Airmen across the installation to come learn, discuss, and ask questions. Sharp’s goal is to give a voice to Airmen and drive connectivity among all members of Team Tyndall no matter the rank. This connectivity is to help shed light into any blind spots for leaders and Airmen.
Sharp states that this is an opportunity for not just himself as the command chief to connect with Airmen, but an opportunity for other chiefs, first sergeants and leaders to come provide and foster mentorship.
“The Air Force is a melting pot of people with different experiences, mindsets, ideas and life struggles,” said Sharp. “If they’re only hearing from me, they’re only getting one subjective opinion. But if they are hearing from all these other chiefs that made it to this level in a different way, I think that’ll bring a better melting pot of ideas and ways of going about business.”
Along with the benefits of giving a voice to all Airmen, Sharp sees this as an opportunity to help develop other aspects of Airmen’s lives.
“At the end of the day you’re not the only one,” said Sharp. “We’ve all had struggles in some way, shape or form. I would love for people to ask questions about mental health.”