349th AMW First Sergeants Council named best in Air Force Reserve Command

  • Published
  • By Ellen L Hatfield
  • 349th Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE Calif. --  The 349th Air Mobility Wing First Sergeants Council was named best in Air Force Reserve Command for 2013.

First sergeants are given charge over the Airmen in their respective units, to provide mentoring, counsel and wise leadership, as well as being community leaders who support our Solano County partners through volunteerism and outreach. The Council spearheaded the wing Annual Awards banquet, mentored Airmen of the Development and Training Flight and Bringing on Leadership Development (BOLD), and facilitated other classes, training, and professional development.

Tireless volunteers for veterans, they supported them through local parades, Operation Give Thanks at the California Veterans Home, Yountville Thanksgiving day, with
renovation of the home of a local medically disabled vet, and the laying of wreaths at the Sacramento National Cemetery, Dixon. They helped bring joy to
kindergarteners in local schools through Operation Teddy Bear during the holidays. They are advocates for the Yellow Ribbon Program and the wing Key
Spouse Program, as well as our wounded warriors and Airmen needing mental health counseling.

Out in the Solano County communities, they have participated in numerous fund-raising events, including a golf tournament, walks, races, marathons to include a skateboard marathon, and triathlons, completing 510 miles. They are there every day, whether on duty or not, for the Airmen they lead.

"It's extremely rewarding to know the work our First Sergeants do every day to support our Airmen is being recognized at the major command level," said Col. Matt Burger, 349th AMW commander. "I have always known we have the best first sgts in the command, but now it's validated!"