Golden Bear Shadow Program

by Senior Airman Madelyn Brown
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

8/8/2014 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -- In an effort to bridge the gap between junior enlisted Airmen and wing leadership, Travis Air Force Base has implemented the "Golden Bear Shadow Program," scheduled to occur at various squadrons throughout the year.

The program will allow for Col. Corey Martin, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, to accompany a junior Airman as he or she accomplishes their daily duties. While the base commander will have an opportunity to learn about the daily challenges of accomplishing the mission at the tactical level, the Airman will have the opportunity to gain a strategic-level perspective of the mission.

Martin will visit with a different Airman from each group, to include the 60th Medical Group, 60th Mission Support Group, the Director of Staff, 60th Maintenance Group and the 60th Operations Group.

The first shadow event occurred in the pharmacy of David Grant USAF Medical center with Airman 1st Class Ashley Deason.

"The Golden Bear Shadow Program was highly beneficial because it was a great opportunity and privilege to work alongside Col. Martin to show the importance of how pharmacy assists with the mission," Deason said. "With this program, it gives Airmen the opportunity to show their hard work and dedication."

As the program cycles through the different groups, the commander is scheduled to visit with a different unit or squadron upon every "Shadow Bear Program" visit in order to gain a diverse, first-hand experience with Travis Airmen.

Each group commander will have the task of nominating a section and Airman within the group to be shadowed. Additionally, a photographer from the 60th AMW Public Affairs office will accompany the Airman and commander, and take a photo in the work environment to be sent to the selected Airman's family.

"It is a privilege for me to spend time on the job with our Golden Bear Airmen," Martin said. "I am so impressed with their selfless, relentless work and I look forward to working alongside them."