Students learn value of professional organizations

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Beyond technical training and professional military education courses, students and Airmen here can enhance their careers by being members of a variety of professional organizations. 

Tyndall's pro orgs offer Airmen the opportunities to gain insight about the Air Force mission, their role as members of team Tyndall and add bullets to performance evaluations, all while socializing with peers and building relationships with the community. 

Airmen new to the Air Force can join Active Airmen Association. NCOs can join Focus 56, the First Sergeants Association or the Top 3, depending on rank. Lieutenants and captains interact with their peers through the Company Grade Officer Council. The Air Force Sergeants Association recruits a variety of people. 

"I want to get involved, have something to do and find ways to volunteer and help out," said Airman Roque Otero, 325th Operations Support Squadron information manager, who plans to get involved with AAA. 

The group is made up of Airmen ranks E-1 to E-4 who are constantly involved in community service, fundraisers or just interacting with others. Their mission is to serve as an open avenue to transform today's Airmen into positive role models for the military and community, focusing on self-motivation and professionalism. 

Focus 56, which are NCO members of ranks E-5 or E-6, get involved in mentoring Airmen, whether they are AAA members, First Term Airmen Center students, Airmen Leadership School students or Airmen on base who need direction from someone who recently wore their stripes. 

"We bridge the gap from Airman to NCO," said Staff Sgt. Lakieta Smith, 83rd Fighter Wing Weapon System Evaluation Program expeditor, about Focus 56 and their mentoring efforts. 

"Our organization creates well-rounded Airmen, and helps with their careers," said Airman 1st Class Brandon Christopher, 325th Communications Squadron network infrastructure technician and AAA president. "This why we get members."
It's also why Airmen join any one of the many of the pro orgs here. 

"You name it and we probably have our hands on it," said Master Sgt. Eric Hall, 325th Aeromedical-Dental Squadron NCO in charge and Top 3 president. "We provide the manning for Operation Turkey drop, run the senior NCO induction ceremony, host dormitory barbecues for Airmen and involve ourselves in many other events." 

Getting involved means not only getting to know peers, but getting to know the entire base. 

"I not only meet other company grade officers, I also get to meet the guest speakers so I have a comfort level now when I talk to other people on base," said 2nd Lt. George Amelang, who hopes other 325th Air Control Squadron air battle manager students like him will join the CGOC. 

"An ABM, for example, has a small glimpse of what the Air Force is about," said 1st Lt. David Paolillo, 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit officer in charge. "They are commissioned and right away go to their assignment. If the ABM went to CGOC, he could meet others. Say he has a problem with his identification card or travel voucher, he'll probably get direction from a personnel officer he networked with at CGOC." 

Many Airmen interviewed who were members of a pro org said they were able to get out of their day-to-day job and see the larger Air Force by being involved with their professional group. 

Every group also has some way of giving back to the community and/or the Air Force.
AAA's Airmen Against Drunk Driving program gave safe rides home to 274 Tyndall personnel this year, ensuring not only their safety, but eliminating a possible driving under the influence charge that could ruin an Airman's military career. 

The Air Force Sergeants Association supports the interests of enlisted personnel in or on Capitol Hill. 

Top 3 members often volunteer to teach SNCO enhancement courses or NCO Academy classes on topics ranging from Air Force history to etiquette. 

"We've been in the trenches and worked hard in our jobs so now it is time to give back and mentor new leaders, reproducing ourselves so we continue to be the best Air Force," said Sergeant Hall. "If we weren't here to lead and mentor, then the buck would stop there." 

Tyndall's pro orgs promote camaraderie by encouraging Airmen to have fun together with their peers. CGOs plan canoeing trips and skydiving opportunities. AAA hosts parties for members or has staff sergeant promotion parties hosted for them by Focus 56. Every group enjoys community service, whether it's working at the dining facility to serve Airmen holiday meals, or supporting charities downtown.