Andersen begins professional development seminars

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Carissa Morgan
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  "Anyone who takes a vested interest in their professional growth enhances every environment and is more able to mentor effectively," said Master Sgt. Donna Barry, the Airman Leadership School Flight Chief. She is also the primary point of contact for a new program called the Enlisted Professional Enhancement Seminar. 

The seminar is a monthly one hour course focused on enhancing one's professionalism. 

"This course is to enhance each Airman professionally," said Sergeant Barry. "This seminar is open to all enlisted personnel, and is an opportunity for them to increase their personal and professional growth," she said. 

"Every form of military training has the potential to help you professionally," said Master Sgt. Karen Smith, the first sergeant for the 36th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "If you are growing professionally you are also growing personally and vice versa," she said.
This seminar is open to all enlisted personnel of Andersen regardless of when you enlisted or graduated from professional military education. 

"It's important because it helps airmen, noncommissioned officers and senior noncommissioned officers expound on their professional military knowledge," said Sergeant Smith. "It provides a refresher, reminders and new insights. Professional development is also motivational," she said. 

"'The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership' by John C. Maxwell will kick off this seminar," said Sergeant Barry. "It will consist of a facilitated DVD presentation along with note takers," she said. 

"John C. Maxwell is an expert on leadership, speaking to more than 250,000 people a year on growth, leadership, and personal development," said Sergeant Barry. "He is a well known author, reaching over a million individuals through his many books, seminars, audio and video resources each year," she said. 

The instructors for the course are volunteers and will be teaching certain rank tiers.
"The NCOs will be training the airmen, the SNCOs will be training the NCOs and the chiefs will be training the SNCOs," said Sergeant Barry. 

This program is Air Force wide, but it is just starting here on Andersen. The first class is scheduled to be held on May 8, in the First Term Airman's Center classroom at 9 a.m.
Seating is limited to accommodate a guided discussion format. For more information or to sign up, contact Master Sgt. Donna L. Barry at 671-366-6292. 

"All military members need to attend this course," said Sergeant Smith. "Professional military education is good for everyone and we all need it," she said. 

"I recommend this seminar to every Airman, because not only are you bettering yourself-you are also furthering yourself to better complete the Air Force Mission," said Sergeant Barry.