Here to serve: First sergeants serve troops lunch on Sept. UTA

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ebony Nichols
  • 917th Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale AFB, La. --  Driving through the gate or going through the line at the dining facility may seem routine, but stop and take a second look. Instead of a Security Forces member, there may be a Wing first sergeant checking identification cards. 

During the September unit training assembly, Wing first sergeants participated in Services Appreciation Day. First shirts from various squadrons served Airmen lunch at the dining facility. 

“People really got a kick out of seeing us,” said Master Sgt. Christopher Lee, 917th Maintenance Operations Squadron first sergeant. 

Through several service-related projects, first sergeants hope to build morale and esprit de corps, according to Chief Master Sgt. Elroy Combs, 917th Wing command chief. To achieve this goal, Chief Combs implemented several activities for upcoming UTAs. 

First sergeants are confident that they are working toward achieving the goal set by Chief Combs. “We raised the awareness of troops on the availability of first sergeants (through this activity),” said Sergeant Lee. “We are here to serve the troops.” 

During the October UTA, first sergeants will be meeting and greeting Wing members at all base entrance gates by checking ID cards. Future activities are yet to be determined.
According to Chief Combs, the purpose for these activities is to enhance the quality of life for Wing members and families on and off duty. “We want our troops to trust and believe in their commitment to volunteer by providing a ‘one team, one dream’ perception of the 917th First Sergeants Group,” said Chief Combs. 

The first shirts are hoping that serving in different capacities around the base will give everyone exposure to them that troops may not get otherwise, according to Sergeant Lee.