Features

Enlisted Summit: Building leaders

Story and photos by Airman 1st Class Jordan Lazaro
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
June 10, 2022
Volunteers gather for a group photo during an Enlisted Summit held at the Hercules Theater on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 24, 2022. This event provided attendees an opportunity for mentorship and networking to develop resiliency and leadership skills.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordan Lazaro)

“In life, to truly bloom, you must fully prune,” said the 2022 Ramstein Enlisted Summit keynote speaker Anthony Brinkley, who retired as a Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 11th Wing at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

More than 500 individuals, both in person and virtually, gathered to attend an Enlisted Summit at Ramstein Air Base, May 24.

The Enlisted Summit was an all-day event geared toward equipping enlisted members with tools for inspiring resilient and confident leaders.

“Today, our enlisted corps focuses on a deeper understanding of the mission and of themselves,” said 86th Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Charmaine N. Kelley. “There is so much asked of our Airmen, they are giving so much of themselves to everything, but themselves.”

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John Chacon 86th Operations Group superintendent conducted an open discussion at an Enlisted Summit at the Hercules Theater at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 24, 2022. He discussed the importance of family and the connections you make as a military member. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordan Lazaro)

The summit offered strategies on how to improve leadership skills including self care, awareness and empathy toward others.

“Military members are among the 1 percent in the world and they have above average careers,” said Brinkley. “But, they need to enrich themselves with experiences to build knowledge and self-awareness.”

The summit included discussions on the whole Airman concept, bettering yourself and those around you, and how to best nurture creative thinking and ingenuity in the workplace.

“Our goal is to protect our Airmen, but sometimes experience equals a barrier for growth,” said Chief Master Sgt. Bryant Roy, 86th Operations Group superintendent. “If leaders continue to use old practices, it hinders Airmen’s ability to innovate and grow the future of our Air Force.”

The United Service Organization provides lunch for attendees and the presenters at the Hercules Theater during an Enlisted Summit at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 24, 2022. The Enlisted Summit offered an opportunity to network outside of career fields and engage in leadership discussions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordan Lazaro)

Staying ahead of the curve is crucial for overall mission success.

“We need to be able to change with the way of the world, at the same pace that the change is happening, in order to stay ahead of it and our competitors,” said Royal air force Warrant Officer Sara Catterall, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Headquarters Command Senior Enlisted Leader.

Speakers highlighted the importance of seeking help when needed and using mental health resources offered on base.

“Before one can lead, one must remember to be the best versions of themselves first,” said Brinkly.

More than 500 members from the Kaiserslautern Military Community and geographically separated units gather, both in person and virtually, for an Enlisted Summit at the Hercules Theater at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 24, 2022. This was an all-day event geared toward equipping enlisted members with tools for inspiring resilient and confident leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordan Lazaro)
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