Thursday, October 01, 2015

Grand Forks AFB DRP wins 25th Annual SECDEF Community Drug Awareness Award

by Airman 1st Class Bonnie Grantham
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs


10/1/2015 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The Grand Forks AFB Demand Reduction Program operated by the 319th Medical Group here was recently named the winner of the 25th Annual Secretary of Defense Community Drug Awareness Award.

The award recognizes the best anti-drug program operated on a military installation for that year. Factors that contribute to the award include community outreach and educating service members and their families of the dangers of substance abuse.

"For every dollar you spend in prevention right now, you save two to twenty in the future," said David Frisch, the former DRP program manager. "Prevention is a key to keeping drug use down and educating people."

The award covers the fiscal year 2014 - Frisch's last year in the position - Frisch's last year in the position.

"I loved it," he said. "I love doing substance abuse prevention and working with the kids and active-duty members on base."

Frisch started from scratch when put in charge of the DRP almost a decade ago.

"We built the program up because no program like that existed at the time, "said Frisch. "Over the years we built the program up and then I received a call for nominations one year so I decided to write a package. The wing sent it up and the first year we put in we got second place. I've put in eight packages and we've been at Department of Defense-level eight times and we've won six of them."

At the time of the award, Frisch and Tom Sumner, the DRP drug testing program administrative manager, were the only people running the program. They worked closely with Behavioral Health and programs such as ADAPT (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment) and Family Advocacy to ensure they were using their resources wisely amongst each other.

"Dave Frisch worked diligently to make sure the program operated at the highest standard," said Karen Grayeyes, the Family Advocacy outreach manager here. "He and Tom won more than one award for their hard work. Dave was active with drug education on base and downtown, always sharing resources and supporting other base agencies such as Family Advocacy and Mental Health in their outreach efforts."

The DRP also actively participated in the Grand Forks AFB Red Ribbon Week by passing out 3,000 ribbons to schools on and off base.

Grand Forks AFB leadership lauded the outstanding accomplishments of the DRP.

"It takes a tremendous amount of leadership, dedication and excellence to win an award of this caliber," said Col. Robert Cook, 319th Air Base Wing vice commander. "Our program was cited as a model for other organizations to follow, demonstrating how innovation and hard work can achieve effective results among the community."

British JTACs benefit from training in U.S. desert

by Airman 1st Class Chris Drzazgowski
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs


9/30/2015 - BARRY M. GOLDWATER AIR FORCE RANGE, Ariz. -- Four joint tactical air controllers from the British Army and Royal Air Force trained at Barry M. Goldwater Range, Sept. 21-25.

The frequent air traffic at the BMGR provided the JTACs with a fast track to becoming more proficient in their career field.

British Armed Forces JTACs are the link between air and ground communication and are charged with ensuring that they can direct any ordnance that leaves an aircraft while protecting civilians and friendly troops at all times.

"In the past week, we've gotten 150 controls off, which is fantastic," said British Army Sgt. Daniel Campbell, Royal Lancers JTAC. "If we did 150 controls in England, you're talking probably a year's worth of work just to try and get that number. We achieved that in one week. It is far cheaper and effective to fly us out here, than it is to try and get an hour's worth of air (time) with the kind of weather that turns up in England."

The JTACs positioned themselves on a rocky ridge that served as a vantage point overlooking their targets spread across the range. They used navigational skills and trigonometry to relay detailed information to pilots, enabling them to eliminate simulated enemy targets.

"We have a set scenario that we've been given, and we just roll with that," Campbell said. "The pilots above have specific targets to try and hit, and we just try and facilitate that as best as possible."

In the British Armed Forces, to become a JTAC, you must satisfy operational prerequisites before even being considered for the duty.

"The minimum standard is that you need to be a full corporal and have two operational tours on the ground underneath your belt," Campbell said. "This way, you'll know what the ground commander is looking for and you know how you can affect a situation with a jet, rather than making mistakes with a multimillion (British) pound airframe."

Campbell is one test away from being fully certified as a JTAC. He said his team's visit to BMGR only made them more dynamic for future operations.

"We were able to see how the American pilots work," Campbell said. "They do a few things different than what our British pilots do, but it's just nice to see. It widens our ability to work with other nations and other units."

Defender continues tradition of service

by Airman 1st Class Michaela R. Slanchik
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs


9/30/2015 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- There are many reasons one might join the U.S. Air Force. Some join for the education benefits, while others join for job stability. Some join to uphold a legacy of three generations of Airmen in their family.

Airman 1st Class Cody Seiber, 509th Security Forces Squadron defender, recently arrived at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., as a third-generation Airman and a second-generation member of the 509th family.

Seiber's grandfather, Robert Seiber, was a member of the 38th Bomb Group in Laon-Couvron Air Base in France from 1943 until 1945. The World War II veteran set the example for his family. His son eventually followed in his footsteps and enlisted.

Seiber's father, David Seiber, and uncle, Leo Tetreault, were both assigned to the 509th Bombardment Wing at Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire during their careers.

Seiber's father served 17 years as an inventory management specialist. Almost four of those years were spent with the 509th Bombardment Wing.

"Working in the 509th Bombardment Wing had such a positive effect on me and set me on the path for success during my time in the Air Force," said David Seiber.

"Supporting the many exercises and inspections the supply squadron had and assisting in their selection for numerous awards are some of my best memories from the 509th, making it one of my favorite places."

Seiber's uncle was also a member of security forces when he was assigned to the 509th Bombardment Group. After more than 10 years of service, Tetreault separated as a staff sergeant.

Seiber said he was glad he was raised in a military-like fashion.

"My family being in the military had everything to do with how I was raised," said Seiber. "I had to fold my clothes a certain way. I knew how to fold hospital corners in my sheets before I even went to basic training. If I had wrinkles in my clothes, my parents would make me change. They wanted me to look professional at all times and I'm glad I was raised in this manner. It made me who I am today, and I'm grateful for that."

Seiber said he always knew he was going to join-and it's not because his parents forced him to.

"I always saw my father and grandfather in uniform, and their way of life," said Seiber. "
I'm proud to be part of a military family and military traditions. It's everything I've known and everything I've wanted."

After signing his contract, Seiber shipped out to Basic Military Training (BMT) in December of 2014.

"As soon as I joined I immediately noticed a difference in myself," said Seiber. "I was able to understand why my family is who they are. I understood why they made me who I am before I even entered the military. I have so much more respect for them now."

During technical training, Seiber received his slated duty station assignment.

"I was originally scheduled to go to Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, but there was someone in my tech school who got assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing," said Seiber. "I begged him every day to switch with me and then he finally did."

Seiber said he is proud to be keeping the family name alive at his first duty station.

"I have big shoes to fill in the 509th," Seiber said. "I don't think there is any higher calling than choosing to serve. Doing that from generation to generation is a pretty special thing to say that you can do."

Seiber's family said they are all very pleased to see him uphold their legacy.

"I can't express how proud we all are for Cody, who has chosen to continue the family heritage and be a part of the United States Air Force," said David. "He is off to a great start."

Fairchild pilots "The Family Check-Up" program

by Master Sgt. Matt McCoy
184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs


10/1/2015 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Team Fairchild, along with nine other Air Force bases, is piloting new parenting programs: the Family Check-Up and Everyday Parenting Programs.

The Air Force is partnering with Arizona and Pittsburgh State Universities to bring these programs to Airmen. It will assist them with evaluating solutions, parenting challenges and will offer them and their spouses an opportunity to learn new parenting techniques.

The FCU is a brief, strengths-based intervention model for children ages 3 through 17. It promotes positive outcomes by improving parenting and family management practices. The FCU works by helping parents improve their parenting practices, such as positive behavior support, monitoring and setting limits and enhancing the quality of all their family relationships. Research shows that the FCU leads to reductions in depression among parents which can ultimately improve the child's wellbeing.

Compared with families who have not participated, children that have participated have fewer behavioral and emotional problems, better emotional regulation, increased school readiness, and a decreased risk of obesity. The impact on participating adolescents shows less drug use, and less anti-social behaviors such as bullying, along with less depression.

Any Airman or family member may contact the family advocacy office and ask for an appointment. Participation in the FCU consists of three sessions, is voluntary and no records are kept.  The three appointments that make up the FCU include the initial interview, an assessment, and the feedback session where parents are given information and intervention strategies related to the concerns and strengths they identified in the initial interview and assessment session.

Once parents have completed the FCU, they can opt to participate in the Everyday Parenting (EP) curriculum, which is a companion program, picking up where the FCU left off.  Through Everyday Parenting, caregivers will receive customized parenting education similar to what they might learn if they were to take a parenting class. The difference, however, is that the EP course material is specifically geared to address their individual dynamics. EP utilizes in-home, solution-focused, and strength based parenting techniques.

Face of Defense: Air Force Captain Participates in 'Echo of Good Deeds'



By Air Force Capt. Joel Banjo-Johnson 36th Wing

JAKARTA, Indonesia, October 1, 2015 — The service members here who are participating in Gema Bhakti -- Indonesian for "echo of good deeds" -- are doing their part to ensure the exercise lives up to its name.

Gema Bhakti is a 10-day bilateral joint exercise that joins U.S. service members and the Indonesian armed forces -- the Tentara Nasional Indonesia -- and has them work through a humanitarian-assistance and disaster-relief scenario.

The current iteration of the exercise simulates the effects of an earthquake.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jodi Verkleir, 36th Medical Support Squadron Readiness Flight commander and medical planner participant, said the experience she is gaining is invaluable.

"I'm grateful to receive this opportunity to interact with not only our sister services but our gracious hosts from the TNI," said Verkleir. "We are able to utilize each other's experiences and expertise to plan and work through the scenario."

She said the role of a medical planner is to coordinate medical relief efforts with military units, as well as other civilian organizations to avoid duplication of efforts. "The same goes for other planning functions, as the primary objective would be to ensure humanitarian relief is received to those in need," she said.

Four Lanes of Effort

The operational-level staff exercise focuses on four lanes of effort: the multinational coordination center; rules of engagement; humanitarian operations and civil-military coordination; and urban search and rescue. Each lane maintains the same overall objective, which is to coordinate and practice how the U.S. and Indonesia would assist another country after a natural disaster.

Verkleir said she began her discussions with the multinational coordination center, where she engaged in dialogue with TNI partners on the roles and responsibilities of the center during a humanitarian relief effort.

Responders assigned to a multinational coordination center facilitate coordination and cooperation of foreign military forces with the affected nation to support the assistance and relief missions.

After the coordination center, Verkleir said she explored the rules of engagement lane, where she collaborated and practiced the skills necessary to identify, analyze, and address the legal planning considerations inherent to the response efforts.

"Knowing ROE in [humanitarian-assistance and disaster-relief] missions is not just for the lawyers," said Verkleir. "It's important to understand the legalities with every mission conducted."

Verkleir said she will proceed through the other lanes during the rest of the exercise and she plans to learn about the significance of interaction between civilian and military agencies in a humanitarian situation and prioritization of requirements during rescue operations.

Army Family Proud of Hispanic Heritage, U.S. Citizenship



By Shannon Collins DoD News Features, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, October 1, 2015 — National Hispanic Heritage History Month is a time for Americans to "renew our commitment to honoring the invaluable ways Hispanics contribute to our common goals, to celebrating Hispanic culture, and to working toward a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous society for all," according to President Barack Obama's proclamation released last month.

For Active Guard Reserve soldier Capt. Daniel Lopez-Guerrero, a student in the Captains Career Course for the logistics branch, that means reflecting on his past -- and that of his Honduran wife, Jenny Lopez-Guerrero.

Daniel said that when his parents were very young they came to Miami from Cuba at the beginning of the Cuban exodus. He said they have been U.S. citizens for the past 40 years, living in Miami, where he grew up.

Service to America

“My father came to the United States when he was eight years old because his parents understood the outcomes that were going to happen after Fidel Castro came into power,” he said. “My role model, my father, always made it a point to show us -- even though he didn’t serve in the military -- he always made it a point to teach us that the freedom and rights we have and the society we live in wasn’t given to us free. It’s been paid for in blood. It’s been built on the sacrifice of many generations that came before us.”

He said that sense of patriotism led him to wear the uniforms of a Boy Scout, Eagle Scout, Civil Air Patrol cadet, and later, soldier.

“I’ve always enjoyed the structure of having a uniform and everything that came with it,” Daniel said.

Daniel’s wife said she is also proud of both her heritage and of being an American.

“I was born in Honduras and came to live in Miami when I was 13 years old,” Jenny said. “It’s been a great experience to continue to have my culture and my roots around while I had the opportunity to become an American citizen. Now, I couldn’t be prouder to be an Army wife.”

Jenny’s brother, Army Sgt. 1st Class Jorge Medina, is a Kiowa helicopter crew chief.

“I’m very proud he joined the military,” she said.

Keeping Heritage Strong

The Lopez-Guerreros said they are proud they raised their three children to respect their Hispanic heritage and to speak and write in fluent Spanish.

“I consider myself an American through and through, but I also believe it’s important to understand where you come from,” Daniel said.

Jenny said she is also proud of their children for more than their grasp of the language, which they still speak today.

“I’m also very proud that although our three children were born here, they’re very much into soccer, our national sport in Honduras,” Jenny said. “In Cuba, they don’t play soccer. Their national sport is baseball ... I was very proud of my middle daughter when she played soccer in Savannah when we were stationed at Fort Stewart.

"It just extends my love for America and having a little bit of Honduras in my American kids," she added. "It also makes me proud to see how soccer is growing in this country and how people are getting to love it as much as my country does.”

Diversity in Service

Daniel said all ethnicities bring different perspectives on different cultures within the military and make it a stronger force. He said it’s a reflection of regular American society and that one of the strengths of the United States is that it has people from all over the world and from all walks of life.

“Being Hispanic, we’re very family-oriented, and I see my soldiers as an extension of my family. I’ve got to do everything I can to make sure they advance and make sure they’re taken care of,” Daniel said, adding that his heritage has also helped him be more accepting of other customs and cultures and work with people of various nationalities.

Jenny added that Hispanics “are a lively group. It’s a rich culture … We’re very dedicated; we’re very loyal. There’s a lot to learn from every different culture, and we Latinos have a lot to give to the world.”

Jenny and Daniel are both working on their master’s degrees and plan to continue on to earn their doctorate degrees. They said they both aim to teach at online universities and will continue to honor their heritage and patriotism.

“As a group of Hispanics in the United States, we are grateful for the opportunity for being in this country and for having all the opportunities we are given,” Jenny said.

ROTC cadets complete firefighter challenge

by Airman 1st Class Christopher R. Morales
JBER Public Affairs


10/1/2015 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Junior ROTC students learn basic military knowledge, but not how to be a military firefighter. Can they step up to the challenge?

The 673d Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters hosted a team-challenge demonstration for the Eagle River High School JROTC to show them first-hand what firefighters do.

"They wanted hands-on [experience], so why not let them simulate the tasks?" asked Air Force Master Sgt. Louis Martinez, 673d CES firefighter. "This lets them feel the physical rigors on scene. These are some of the things we do in case of a fire or rescue."

The tasks ranged from pulling, lifting and connecting a fire hose, to climbing a ladder and dragging a 130-pound dummy.

"It lets them know [that even] without gear, it's a pain in the butt," Martinez said. "It's truly a challenge, but a completely different beast in gear. We've got another 40 to 45 pounds of gear [while] doing these tasks."

The students were divided into six teams of five players each, one for each station. After completing a station, that student tags the next student until all the stations are complete.

The firefighters demonstrated each station and stayed as support in case the tasks were too difficult or the students needed guidance.

The tasks put the students in the firefighters' bunker boots - without the weight of the gear or a real situation.

Megan Hancox, ERHS sophomore, participated in the fireman's drag - considered the most challenging by the firefighters and her peers, because it requires lifting the dummy by the torso and walking backwards about 10 feet.

"It was much harder than I thought it would be, especially picking [the dummy] up," Hancox said. "I knew it was going to be the most difficult one, but it was fun."

Commander issues Fire Prevention Week proclamation

Release Number: 011015

10/1/2015 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- JBER Public Affairs Staff Report

In preparation for Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4 through 10, the 673d Air Base Wing and JBER commander, Air Force Col. Brian Bruckbauer issued the following proclamation:

Wheras, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting JBER; and Wheras, fire is a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and homes are the locations where people are at greatest risk from fire; and Wheras, home fires killed 2,755 people in the United States in 2013, according to the National Fire Protection Association, and fire departments in the United States responded to 369,500 home fires; and Wheras, working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half; and Wheras, three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without workWheras, in one-fifth of all homes with smoke alarms, none were working; and Wheras, when smoke alarms should have operated but did not do so it was usually because batteries were missing, disconnected, or dead; and Wheras, half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep; and Wheras, JBER residents should install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home; and Wheras, JBER residents should install smoke alarms and alert devices that meet the needs of people who are deaf or hard of hearing; and Wheras, JBER residents who have planned and practiced a home fire escape plan are more prepared and will therefore be more likely to survive a fire; and Wheras, JBER's first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education; and Wheras, JBER's residents are responsive to public education measures and are able to take personal steps to increase their safety from fire, especially in their homes; and Wheras, the 2015 Fire Prevention Week theme, "Hear the Beep Where You Sleep: Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm!" effectively serves to remind us that we need working smoke alarms to give us the time to get out safely.

Therefore, I, Brian R. Bruckbauer, commander of JBER, do hereby proclaim Oct. 4 through 10 as Fire Prevention Week throughout this city, and I urge all the people of JBER to install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of JBER's fire and emergency services during Fire Prevention Week 2015.

Visit the information booth and display focused on fire prevention and safety Monday through Thursday at the main Exchange from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
An open house featuring fire and rescue vehicle demonstrations, give-aways, hotdogs, beverages and cake will take place Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fire Station 4; with another open house Oct. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fire Station 1.

First sergeants fill vital role in service members' lives

by SSgt Shelia deVera
JBER Public Affairs


10/1/2015 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- "My job is people - everyone is my business. I dedicate my time and energy to their needs; their health, morale, discipline and welfare. I grow in strength by strengthening my people. My job is done in faith; my people built faith. The Air Force is my life; I share it with my people. I believe in the Air Force goal - We take care of our own; my job is people - everyone is my business."

The First Sergeant's Creed offers a reminder that first sergeants are the center for all readiness, health, morale, welfare, and quality-of-life issues within an organization.

"The full creed offers a little bit more as an overarching principle," said Master Sgt. Philip Peters, 673d Communications Squadron acting first sergeant. "I prefer the third line, which reads 'I dedicate my time and energy to their needs.' While that line should be true for any supervisor, it is especially important for a first sergeant to remember.

"It's not about you; it's about your Airmen. It can be easy to lose sight of that and the creed can serve as a reminder," Peters added.

Early in his military career, Peters was going through some tough times as a young Airman. In his struggles, he had two distinct experiences with first sergeants.

"I had one who was very engaged and was very tough on me, but who helped me through my difficulties and genuinely wanted to see me improve," the 20-year veteran said. "Conversely, I had another first sergeant whose approach was a lot less helpful. As I got on track and progressed through the ranks, I decided early on that I wanted a chance to try to be like the 'shirt' who taught me so much. So, the week I made master sergeant, I talked to my shirt about what I needed to do to become a first sergeant."

While Peters had two notable experiences that drove him to his current position, Master Sgt. Danny Damons, 673d Comptroller Squadron and Wing Staff Agency first sergeant, said there were several individuals who pushed him to become a first sergeant.

"Marine Sgt. Frank Pearson left a lasting impression on how I wanted to be when he was my Sergeant of the Guard for several years during my time in the Marine Corps," Damons said.

"He wasn't a big-muscle type of guy that yelled and barked, he was tall and skinny, and soft-spoken, but the way he carried himself and interacted with people inspired me to become like him.  If you screwed up he would definitely let you know, but he had a way making you better without all of the extra nonsense."

The drive to listen and interact with people made him think about becoming a first sergeant when Damons witnessed firsthand how the first sergeants in Korea took care of their people.

Having the possibility of becoming a first sergeant in the back of his mind motivated him to look into it further when he was deployed to Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.

"Air Force Master Sgt. Kevin Drake gave me a first sergeant coin for addressing some issues that arose throughout the deployment, and said he was proud of me for standing up for what I believed was right," Damons said.

"So, when I came back [from my deployment], the seed had been planted for me to think more seriously about becoming a first sergeant in the future."

Eight years later, Damons now wears a lozenge. The lozenge, or diamond, on the first sergeant's chevron is a symbol recognized by every Airman, Soldier, and Marine.

They are given distinct privilege, trust, duty and responsibility of taking care of every member in their unit and their families.

When Peters took on the role the first time, he said it was a little intimidating.

"This is not a job you learn to do in the classroom; no job really is, but so much of a first sergeant's job is situational, often reactionary," Peters said. "The scary part when you start out is wondering if you will know how to react to a difficult situation.

"Fortunately, every base has a community of first sergeants who are always there to help each other out.

I always knew I had people around I could lean on, even in the middle of the night."

One day, an Airman came by to see Peters about an issue that needed to be resolved. Peters promised to help the Airman after jotting it down in his notebook with a box to check off when completed.

"At that moment, I realized I had to be careful not to lose the humanity of the tasks," Peters said. "For me, each Airman who came in with an issue was just one more thing.

"For them, it was likely a significant event, something major going on in their life, and therefore deserved the best effort I could muster."

To maintain their sense of self and self-esteem, both first sergeants said they enjoy running.

"To spend time by myself, I just go for a long run," Damons said.

"I enjoy listening to the natural sounds to help me clear my mind, but I do enjoy listening to music at home, in the car, and at work.  Bob Marley is the greatest stress relief for me."

"Learning how to separate your work life from your home life is one of the most important skills first sergeants develop," Peters said.

"Shirts often deal with unpleasant situations, and it can be difficult to leave those things at work. During those years, I developed a love of running. You can do it anywhere, it provides time for reflection, and releases pent up energy.

"Also, being able to go home every night to a family that supported me through six years of late-night calls and lots of time away was huge."

Peters said he would learn new things every day.  Some days he feels successful and on other days he doesn't. On some days, it's paperwork, while on other days it's non-stop action - there are always high and low points as a first sergeant.

"All my greatest highs as first sergeant have come while interacting with and learning about the lives and jobs of the Airmen I worked for," Peters said.

"The lowest moments I had as a shirt always involved children. It can be difficult to personally reconcile the situations you deal with as a first sergeant where a family is struggling in some way and the children suffer because of it."

"I haven't been doing this position that long, but when you can successfully help somebody, that is the high point," Damons said.

"The low point would be when bad things happen to good people. I take on that stuff personally."

Tech. Sgt. Vernon Cunningham, 673d Air Base Wing Public Affairs, said he agrees that a first sergeant puts the needs of the unit personnel above all else.

"Setting up leave for an Airman can take quite a bit of time, given all the routing and signatures," Cunningham said. "But in case of a family emergency or other incident that may adversely affect an Airman's life, first shirts get involved and expedite the process to allow the Airman to take care of personal needs right away and not be distracted by the admin process.

"In my career, I have even worked with a first sergeant who we called in the middle of the night, and he had the Airman on leave and by his family's side by noon the next day."

Peters and Damons said they agreed the job is never easy.

First sergeants work 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the members of their respective units - one thing is certain, they said; a day in the life of a first sergeant is challenging and rewarding.

"My job is people," Peters quoted from the First Sergeant's Creed. "Everyone is my business at the start and the end."