Master Sgt. Lafoundra Thompson, 509th Operations Group first sergeant, assists Airman 1st Class Tamila Reid, 509th OSS combat crew communications apprentice, with a personal situation at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., July 23, 2013. First sergeants play a key role in helping their Airmen with any situation that is brought to their attention. They also strive to encourage Airmen and keep the Whiteman mission rolling. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keenan Berry/Released)