349th Air Mobility Wing - Bringing on Leadership Development

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amelia Leonard
  • 349th Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Members of the 349th Air Mobility Wing gathered to attend the Bringing on Leadership Development class here at Travis on Nov. 1.

The B.O.L.D. program is an eight-hour enlisted development course designed for E-1 through E-5 Airmen. Its mission is to inspire personal and professional effectiveness and success. B.O.L.D. also aims to help Airmen manicure the skills necessary to effectively lead, supervise, and mentor. The program's three core values are innovation, development, and motivation.

The event, which was the first of its kind, was developed by Master Sgt. Andrea Johnson, medical administrator, 349th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, and was led by the First Sergeants and Chiefs groups.

"It's about unlocking their potential," said Johnson. "After you invest this amount of time and resources into one individual, the only place they can go from here is up," she said.

The course will be held quarterly on the Friday prior to each unit training assembly and will topics range from readiness, education and training, personal and career development, enlisted performance reviews, writing awards, various communication methods, as well as other pertinent topics.

"All of the experience the mentors provided helped me put my future in a good perspective," said attendee Senior Airman Jeff Gorham, a 945th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron member. "The mentors will lead you on the path of how you can make the most out of your career," he said.

"This course helps with life skills, not just for your military career," said fellow attendee Staff Sgt. Tara Burgess of the 349th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. "Regardless of what you want to do with your life, this information and advice is applicable," she said. "You'll be successful if you follow the steps they give you."

The course concluded with an inspirational message from the 349th AMW Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Sandra "Sunny" Santos. "Whatever you learned here and take away from this event, remember to do it for that Airman coming up behind you," she said. "Pass it forward."

For more information or direction on how to sign up for the next session, which is scheduled to be held on Nov. 15, 2013, contact Master Sgt. Andrea Johnson by email at Andrea.Johnson.15@us.af.mil or by phone at 707-424-4126.