JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS Va. –
U.S. Air Force noncommissioned officers and members of Langley's Club 5/6, met the most recent First Term Airmen Center graduates for a mentorship lunch at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, Aug. 21, 2015.
The NCOs hosted the event to not only help celebrate the completion of the five-day course, consisting of briefings from representatives around Langley, but to engage with the newest Joint Base Langley-Eustis Airmen and provide mentorship.
According to Tech. Sgt. Dustin Finamore, a JBLE Club 5/6 member, he and his fellow NCOs wanted to connect directly with Airmen to provide face-to-face mentorship and immediate answers to questions.
"This is a great opportunity for these new Airmen," said Finamore. "We were able to talk to them at the beginning [of their careers], right before they get into their work centers and answer questions they may have."
The Club 5/6 professional development section partnered with the FTAC team in search of a way to connect with new Airmen. For the past four FTAC class graduations, the luncheon has been a success, receiving positive feedback from the Airmen, said Finamore.
Airman 1st Class Jackeline Blasini Rivera, 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron engineer technician and recent FTAC graduate, said she enjoyed her time with the NCOs.
"I was able to ask questions on things such as BTZ and about my job," said Blasini Rivera. "[The mentorship session] was a rewarding experience."
Finamore said he and his fellow NCOs feel there is a huge gap between themselves and new Airmen on base, so using these luncheons is an opportunity to bridge that space.
"There are some of us who have a 10-13 year gap [in time in service] between these new Airmen," said Finamore. "We want to learn more about them, what makes them happy and what makes them tick."
With the continued positive feedback, the 5/6 members will continue to meet up with each graduating FTAC class, to spread their knowledge and experience.