Hey, Shirt! Got a minute?

Bringing one’s abilities, knowledge and talents to help Airmen is what most first sergeants would say is their primary duty — being someone for Airmen to look up to and emulate is a bonus.

“I get the opportunity to be in a position where I have to be an example for my Airmen,” said Senior Master Sgt. Charles Doan, 86th Medical Group first sergeant. “I like being that example because I know I’m a good one.”

For most Airmen, having an example to lean on during times of need is a must. For the first sergeants of the KMC, being that example is what they do every day.
“Knowing that I have helped even just one person is the best feeling in the world,” Doan said.

Every first sergeant has multiple ways they help KMC Airmen every day.

“As first sergeants we have our hands in almost everything going on (around) base,” Doan said. “We have our weekly first sergeants meetings and we go and speak at the First Term Airman Center, Airman Leadership School,  Noncommissioned Officer Academy, and many other major events around the KMC area.”

The First Sergeant Association also helps out families in need every year during the holidays.

“Each year we donate at least $45,000 for our Holiday Cheer Program for military families in need during the holidays,” Doan said. “This money will help these families buy food and other necessities during the Thanksgiving and Christmas months.”

Even though first sergeants help their Airmen so much, sometimes they need help themselves.

“If one of my Airmen needs something fixed or is in a rough spot, they come my way,” Doan said. “Sometimes they come to me with problems that I’ve never dealt with before. That’s when I turn to my fellow first sergeants. I tap into their experience and use it to help my Airmen.”

Whether it’s speaking to new Airmen at FTAC or collecting donations during the holidays first sergeants are always there to help when needed, and at the end of the day it is about taking care of Airmen.

“My Airmen are humans and wear the Air Force uniform just like me so I treat them with the dignity and respect that they deserve,” Doan said. “I don’t need a big award to know that I’m doing well. All I need is to see my Airmen happy.”