COMMENTARY: People are a first sergeant's business Published June 12, 2009 By Col. Charles Mood Commander, 419th Maintenance Group HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UT -- The phone rang at the end of the business day last Friday. The Red Cross had contacted our military personnel flight with news that the 18-month-old daughter of one of our young Airmen in basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, had passed away, and that the member was requested to come home. The member had not yet even reported to his new squadron, but he needed our help. As the 419th Mission Support Group commander, my job was relatively easy -- notify the wing commander, squadron commander and first sergeant, then monitor the situation. The first sergeant's job, however, was not. Despite numerous setbacks and challenges right off the bat, the first sergeant jumped into action Friday night and over the weekend. The first sergeant's list of action items continued to grow: the member's spouse was just laid off work, the Airman needed transportation from the airport, there were problems with SGLI, the family needed financial assistance with the burial, and they needed help looking into counseling. The situation was extremely difficult, but the first sergeant readily engaged to help the Airman and his family. Why do I bring this story to your attention? To give you a glimpse of what your unheralded first sergeants do in the shadows. People are a first sergeant's business, and these noble professionals are on the job 24/7. If there is a personnel issue in the squadron, the commander turns to the first sergeant. They are our eyes and ears, our troubleshooters and our advocate on your behalf. Is it any wonder that the wing command chief almost always comes from their ranks? If you have not thanked your first sergeant lately, this drill weekend might be a good time. Also, let me place the seed of aspiration in your ear: the Air Force needs outstanding first sergeants. Have you got what it takes? The first step is to talk to your first sergeant or to Chief Master Sgt. Liz Atisme, 419th FW Command Chief, about the career field. The work can be challenging, but the rewards are well worth it and they will stay with you for a lifetime!