Features

Seeking Mentorship

by Tech. Sgt. Jocelyn A. Ford
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
January 23, 2020
Attendees discuss their vision for 2020 during the monthly Let’s Connect session at the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center, Ramstein Air Base, Jan. 14. Let’s Connect is run by a group of female senior noncommissioned officers within the KMC, providing monthly lunch-and-learn opportunities for all genders, services and ranks, to include civilians.

The Kaiserslautern Military Com­munity offers a multitude of opportunities for personal and professional development. Opportunities are readily found at every turn.

Mentor is a word heard daily around the Air Force, and the KMC is overflowing with individuals eager to share their knowledge and experience with anyone who is in need of advice or guidance.

Private organizations are at every peer group within the KMC, as well as each of our mission partners individually, to include the First Four, 5/6, Top 3, First Sergeants Council and Chief’s Group. Each offer the opportunity for mentorship at every general membership meeting, but that’s not the only place to find a mentor.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Alejandra Jones, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces Europe-Air Forces Africa commander’s quarters staff superintendent, talks with attendees during the monthly Let’s Connect session at the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center, Ramstein Air Base, Jan. 14.

“You also have mentors in work sections, flights, squadrons, events, chaplains and the list goes on,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jamie Kopp, 86th Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection noncommissioned officer-in-charge and 5/6 vice president. “Every corner you turn, there is someone willing to help you become the best version of yourself.”

Staff Sgt. Melissa Edwards, 24th Intelligence Squadron threat analysis technician, attends events regularly in search for more mentors. She picked up a flyer in her dorm when she first arrived here and has attended the monthly Let’s Connect meetings ever since.

“I was an A1C when I first started out, and now I’m a staff sergeant.” Edwards said. “They’ve been mentoring me for a long time.”

Even though she has found mentors within the Let’s Connect community, Edwards continues her search.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Alejandra Jones, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces Europe-Air Forces Africa commander’s quarters staff superintendent, discusses her vision for 2020 during the monthly Let’s Connect session at the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center, Ramstein Air Base, Jan. 14. Let’s Connect, started in April 2013 by a group of female senior noncommissioned officers, was created to get the voice of female Airmen heard.

“I’m always looking for those mentors and people that can help me,” Edwards said. “I plan on doing 20 years so I feel like the more people I get to know, the more examples I have. Even if it’s what to do or what not to do, it’s all beneficial in some way shape or form.”

Airmen gather to create vision boards during the monthly Let’s Connect session at the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center, Ramstein Air Base, Jan. 14. Let’s Connect is run by a group of female senior noncommissioned officers within the KMC, providing lunch-and-learn opportunities for all genders, services and ranks, to include civilians.

January is known as National Mentoring Month. In the KMC, every day is recognized as an opportunity for mentorship. If you’re struggling, reach out or get involved. If you have a unique story, tell it; someone else may need to hear exactly what you have to say.

Individuals seeking mentorship can attend Let’s Connect luncheons on the second Tuesday of every month at 11:30 a.m. in the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center’s multi-purpose room.

Tags:
« Previous × Next »