McConnell Airmen mentor Kansas State University cadets

by Airman 1st Class Tara Fadenrecht
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

11/21/2014 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Twenty-four Airmen from McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, took part in four enlisted-perspective panels to mentor over 70 Kansas State University Air Force ROTC cadets, Nov. 20, in Manhattan, Kansas.

The McConnell mentors were broken up into four groups: junior enlisted, non-commissioned officers, senior NCOs, and first sergeants.

Each panel included Airmen from different backgrounds and Air Force jobs. The Airmen spent 25 minutes talking to and answering questions from four groups of cadets that rotated to each panel.

Once these cadets get their four-year degree, they will be commissioned as second lieutenants.

"It's important that these cadets get a variety of information from the enlisted force," said Master Sgt. Ronald Cervera Jr., Air Force ROTC Detachment 270 NCO in charge of personnel. "It's important that they hear different viewpoints. It's important that they see what's really out there."

The mentoring session was an opportunity for the students to learn what kind of expectations enlisted personnel have for junior officers entering the Air Force.

Cadet Chris Campbell, Air Force ROTC Detachment 270 bravo flight commander, said that his goal is to hopefully become an air battle manager.

He said he enjoyed hearing advice from the junior enlisted members who are able to see Air Force daily operations first hand and emphasized the importance of having leadership who present themselves as being approachable and supportive.

"It greatly helps to know what all to do and what not to do as a second lieutenant coming in," he said.

The event was a chance for Team McConnell to get involved with the community and invest time into the future of the Air Force.
"We want to groom our up-and-coming officers to make them more effective when they hit their first duty station," said Master Sgt. Travis Craig, 22nd Force Support Squadron and Director of Staff first sergeant.

This was the second time that Team McConnell traveled to Kansas State University to provide mentoring to the ROTC cadets.

Cervera expressed gratitude toward the enlisted members who participated in the panels and said he is looking forward to working more with Team McConnell in an effort to grow and develop the future officers of the Air Force.