Building relationships key to success during Pacific Unity 14-8

by Tech. Sgt. Terri Paden
PACUNITY Public Affairs

9/16/2014 - MOUNT HAGEN, Papua New Guinea  -- New dormitories aren't the only things being built during Pacific Unity 14-8, Airmen deployed to Papua New Guinea in support of the operation are also building relationships.

Master Sgt. Jamain Braxton, Pacific Air Forces Regional Training Center/Commando Warrior flight chief and the anti-terrorism officer for Pacific Unity 14-8 deployed from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, said he jumped at the opportunity to provide mentorship to young security guards during a recent team building workshop for the security personnel at the Highlander Hotel in Papua New Guinea.

In addition to personal safety and protection tips, Braxton also spoke to the group about basic law enforcement, diffusing violent situations and the importance of good judgment and working together as a team.

"This was a good idea exchange really," Braxton said. "It was less about tactics and more about how to keep the guys safe when they're responding to situations. I didn't teach them how to do anything new, just how to improve upon their own methods while they taught me more about the way law enforcement is typically carried out in their culture."

Peter Howe, Highlander Hotel regional manager, said he invited Braxton to join their training because of his leadership experience and law enforcement background.

"The guys can really benefit from this cross-culture exposure and mentorship," he said.

"They value his experience and have a general respect and admiration for U.S. military in general."

Howe said Braxton helped with his ultimate goal of building team cohesion amongst the guards and empowering them to be the best.

"They were pretty excited when they found out this was happening," Howe said. "There was buzz around the hotel all week about it; they felt privileged to be a part of this."
Albert Tawia, Highlander Hotel security manager, said having Braxton take the time to mentor them instills a sense of pride in the guards.

"This was an honor and privilege of a lifetime to receive mentorship from someone in the U.S. Air Force," he said. "Emotionally and psychologically it elevates us to a new level."
Braxton said being invited to take part in the team building workshop was a very educational and rewarding experience for him as well.

"They exchanged ideas with me and I exchanged ideas with them so for them to look at me as someone they admire is humbling," he said. "I don't get a chance to have these cross-cultural experiences all the time so for someone to want to improve themselves and their team and invite me to be a part of it is overwhelming."

In addition to participating in the cross-culture idea exchange with his law enforcement brethren, Braxton is assisting the 34-manned team of U.S. Air Force construction craftsmen and support personnel from the Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Wing, alongside U.S. Air Force active duty Airmen, Papua New Guinea Defense Forces and local workers, with the construction and renovation projects at Togoba Secondary School as part of Pacific Unity 14-8.

Pacific Unity is a bilateral Engineering Civic Action Program conducted in the Asia-Pacific region in collaboration with host nation and civil authorities and military personnel.