Whiteman leaders learn valuable lessons from AFGSC religious affairs team

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Victoria Hommel
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

The command religious affairs team from Headquarters Global Strike Command met with enlisted leaders to discuss Airmen’s resiliency and culture here at Whiteman Air Force Base.

 U.S. Air Force Col. David Kelley, Air Force Global Strike Command chaplain, and Chief Master Sgt. Steven Beasley, Air Force Global Strike Command religious affairs senior enlisted leader, met with 20 enlisted leaders from across Whiteman AFB.

“There is a certain advantage that comes with having leadership, such as Col. Kelley, visit to discuss culture and resiliency progress and issues for the commander to understand,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Carnelle Stradford, 509th Munitions Squadron weapons section chief.

Stradford also serves as the Whiteman Top III vice president, an Air Force-wide association at every base for all senior NCOs devoted to helping the enlisted force.

At their latest monthly meeting, Stratford passed on key topics from the resilience lunch with Col. Kelley, stating his goal was for the advice they received to permeate in the 509th Bomb Wing.

The discussion topics included dorm life, culture and team building. These discussions were focused on common issues that leaders across base consistently see as important to quality of life.

“The key topic I took away from Col. Kelley is his concern for the wellbeing of all Airmen,” said Stradford. “He inquired about the strategies senior enlisted leaders used to connect with their Airmen and sought after problems Airmen face.”

Kelley also prompted the 20 senior leaders to voice the obstacles they face at their level.

“Often with lunches like this, the conversations are focused on younger Airmen which is important,” said Kelley, during the lunch. “It is also important for us to focus on what issues our leaders face as well.”

By the end of the lunch, Kelley and Beasley were able to offer valuable feedback for the senior leaders while also listening to their concerns.