917th Wing’s command welcomes new Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Crystal M. Jordan
  • 917th Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale Air Force Base, La. --  Senior staff of 917th Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., added several new items to the agenda of in-coming Airmen, including a base tour and breakfast with the commanding officer, in order to welcome them to the unit.

After in-processing on Sunday, November 8, the new arrivals started their morning with a bus tour throughout Barksdale. Tech. Sgt. Patrick Washington, a military equal opportunity advisor for the 917th WG and acting tour guide, showed the group historical sites as well as facilities that they would need during their time at Barksdale.

Usually, new Airmen who arrive for the Unit Training Assembly (UTA) weekends don't have any idea how big Barksdale is and what exactly is on it, said Master Sgt. Susan Thomas, the military equal opportunity supervisor at the 917th WG.

The Shoppette, Commissary and Movie Theater were among the many spots pointed out to the group of Airmen.

The tour ended at the Barksdale Dining Facility where Sergeant Thomas planned a breakfast for the Airmen, who got the opportunity to dine with Col. Edmund Walker, commander of the 917th WG, and Chief Master Sgt. Keith St. Aubin, command chief master sergeant of the 917th WG.

"By having a welcome breakfast, we can give new Airmen a face along with the name of our command personnel," said Sergeant Thomas.

The breakfast was also a chance for the in-coming Airmen to ask senior staff members questions concerning the history, mission and future of the wing. It even allowed the servicemembers the chance to network and build relationships with each other, said Sergeant Thomas.

"Getting to meet the commander and chief was definitely nice," said Airman Ricky Ball, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician with the 307th Red Horse Squadron. "I really enjoyed getting the chance to meet them and talk person to person."

There were no topics too small to mention at the breakfast table. Subjects discussed ranged from the mission and growth of the 917th WG down to recreational activities and hunting availabilities in the local area.

Laughter and conversation shared around the table was a sure sign that this breakfast would have a fighting chance at keeping its place in the agenda.