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Carlson holds first Call since becoming Top Enlisted Member of 908th

  • Published
  • By Bradley J. Clark
  • 908th Airlift Wing
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  The 908th Airlift Wing’s command chief held her first enlisted call since taking her position in July at Maxwell Air Force Base, on March 5.

Command Chief Master Sgt. Tina Carlson focused on development and recognition for the enlisted members of the wing.

In order to help with the recognition aspect, Carlson asked the wing’s vice commander, Col. Pat Brooks to join for a portion of the enlisted call.

Brooks acknowledged some key members of the wing that helped get through a successful Unit Effectiveness Inspection that took place during the February Unit Training Assembly.

“All of our success is a direct result of all of your hard work,” said Brooks. You guys get the mission done and your loyalty to each other and the wing is unmatched.”

Brooks continued to shower the wing with pride saying, “This is a wing of winners, I think it’s the top wing in 22nd Air Force.”

Brooks then closed his portion and transitioned to Carlson by saying something that became the focus of the rest of the enlisted call.

“We work for you,” said Brooks. “Our job as leaders is to take care of you.”

Carlson took that statement and continued the call discussing mentorship and development.

“Our job is to provide combat ready forces,” stated Carlson. “One way we do that is through enlisted development.”

She emphasized the possibilities for advancement with the right development.

“Every single one of you is a future chief,” said Carlson. “If you don’t make it, then it’s on us, the chiefs and senior NCOs leading you now.”

When it comes development, Carlson believes a key is mentorship and goal setting.

“We want to make sure your current and future goals mesh together,” explained Carlson. “We need to take who you are today and who you want to be tomorrow and put them together to help make you into the best NCO you can be. In order to do that we have to think about development and that plays a key factor so that we can be combat ready.”

The next thing Carlson focused on was the wing’s need for 1st Sgts.

“We’ve had the largest number of vacancies in 22nd Air Force,” said Carlson. “We can’t function without members who wear diamonds on their sleeves.”

She emphasized the value of the position and how it builds Airmen up and provides vital experience.

“It’s a great opportunity to be challenged and become a better leader,” explained Carlson. “If you are ready to step into that kind of role, then put the diamond on. It could help put you on the fast track to chief and even command chief.”

Carlson then shifted her focus to time management.

“I know that 16 hours a month isn’t a lot of time to get everything done,” said Carlson. “It’s very difficult to accomplish that. So our future chiefs and NCOs need to be very deliberate with your time so that we always strive to become the best that we can be.”

The chief closed out the event by thanking the enlisted Airmen of the wing.

“There are no better people than the Airmen of the 908th,” proclaimed Carlson. “Every single one of you contributes to the 908th. You are what makes the wing ready for the fight.”