AFRC command chief visits with Andrews reservists

by Staff Sgt. Amber Russell
459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

3/20/2014 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Air Force Reserve Command Chief Master Sergeant Cameron B. Kirksey visited members of the 459th Air Refueling Wing to gain first-hand insight on daily operations, March 14-16.

In order to advise Lt. Gen. James "JJ" Jackson, Air Force Reserve commander, on all enlisted matters concerning the health, morale, welfare and effective management of more than 55,000 active duty and reserve enlisted members at more than 66 locations, Kirksey got out and spoke to Airmen to gain a full understanding of the issues they face, as well as acknowledge their achievements.

"When I go before Congress and the hill and give my testimonies, leaders want to know, 'what are your Airmen's concerns, what are their heartburns, what do we need to do as leaders of this great nation to continue to have the world's greatest Air Force?" Kirksey said.

Kirksey paid a visit to each unit here. During his day trip, he saw motivated Airmen sweat, improvise and unite to get their respective missions accomplished.

The East Fitness Center was filled with fit-to-fight test takers when Kirksey arrived there.

"We want to completely eliminate fitness failures," Tech. Sgt. Eustaquio Devilla, 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron medical technician and fitness monitor, said in a one-on-one conversation with Kirksey.

Kirksey advocated group or squadron level mock fitness initiatives and challenges to combat failures, and he encouraged members to stay motivated by working out in between unit training assemblies.

"It's not just about a fitness test; it's about being fit for life," Kirksey said. "When you understand fitness at that level, you lose the 28-day lag and incorporate working out and proper nutrition into your daily lifestyle. A 'fitness test' will become something you can do every day."

The command chief witnessed adaptability, dedication and teamwork while visiting the Aeromedical Staging Squadron. The unit underwent a block training where nurses, doctors and medical technicians performed a group of different skill sets they need to have to keep training standards up to date.

Due to a shortage of space, the crew was displaced and had to conduct their training outside at a moment's notice. In a "train as you fight" perspective, it can be seen as a regular day at the office for the integrated team

"In any kind of setting we have to work together," Staff Sgt. Karin Nelson, ASTS medical technician. "The nurses do one thing, the doctors do one thing and the techs do another, but together it's one mission we are working to accomplish."

Kirksey acknowledged their ability to adapt and overcome, as well as took note of their circumstance to follow up on acquiring more space.

"With the turbulence of this budget exercise and budget fire drill we are going through, one thing that can't be taken away from us is gratitude; recognition doesn't cost us anything, he said"

Kirksey coined two members of the ASTS for their lean-forward approach in helping Airmen access mental health care.

The leader acknowledged that many significant changes in the Air Force can come from the lower enlisted ranks during his sit in at a meeting held by the Rising Six, an organization at the 459th ARW for technical sergeants and below.

"If you lay down a foundation and build a platform where everyone can bring their unique skill-sets and identities, you can only grow and expand upon that," Kirksey said. "When others can see the footprint of what you're doing and accomplishing as a council, the Rising Six will soar."

Kirksey provides leadership and guidance as the commander's representative to numerous committees, councils, boards, military and civilian functions worldwide.

"I'm here for you," Kirksey said. "I'm here to let you know we are going to be ok. Let me know your concerns and I will percolate them up the chain of command."