Wing members head for 'The Hill'

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Paul Zadach
  • 934th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Washington D.C. --  Almost everyone in the military at one time or another has had to "run it up the chain of command" for some type of approval or to get something changed. Once the chain leaves the base, it's kind of mysterious to most people where things go, and what happens. Some of that was clarified for 35 Airmen from the 934th Airlift Wing as they were able to see what happens at the top of the chain during the Air Force Reserve

Congressional Orientation Course in Washington D.C. Jan 12-14.
Never before had this large of a group from one wing been able to attend the course. The normal way the course works is to select two people from each wing throughout the Air Force Reserve Command. Last year, the 934th AW's Human Resource Development Council was looking for a way to reward deserving Airmen throughout the wing with an opportunity to attend the course.

"I had attended the course in 2002 and was extremely impressed with it," said Master Sgt. Sherrill Beecher, 934th Mission Support Group career advisor and HRDC member. "We discussed the idea in the HRDC and presented it to the course administrators and they said if we could put a group together, they would set up a course for us. From the attendees I've heard from, it has really impressed them."

934th members started off the course with a briefing by Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., Air Force Reserve commander. The general explained his dual role as the chief of the Air Force Reserve who represents the command to congressional leaders, and his role as the commander of the Air Force Reserve Command. If anyone thinks that General Stenner and the air staff are out of touch with the day to day operations and frustrations of
Airmen at the wing level, they are wrong. 934th members took the opportunity to share their challenges and successes at the 934th with General Stenner. What they found out was that some of the challenges were being experienced command-wide, and some were unique to the 934th. However, all were being acknowledged and addressed.

"I found the course inspiring, and a reflection of the close Air Force family when we had the opportunity to meet Lt. Gen. Stenner," said Senior Airman Paul Weber, 934th Security Forces Squadron. "It was less than six months ago when I first met the general in Iraq. So to hear him speak at length about issues that affect our mission was informative and relevant."

Military and civilian leaders from the headquarters level also provided briefings about legislative updates, congressional Inquiries, strategic communications, personnel programs, military construction and congressional outreach.
At this level, where decisions often affect thousands of people and sometimes involve Congress, the process of initiating or changing policy is not a quick one, but the needs and concerns of reservists in the field do make it up here.

"I learned that as important as our job is here in Minneapolis, we are part of a much bigger picture. And no matter what the change may be, it has been through a very long, two plus year process to get to us and be implemented," said Tech. Sgt. Mark Himmer, 934th Airlift Wing chief of career enhancement.

A trip to Washington D.C. isn't complete without taking in the sights and the group was given a guided evening tour of the mall area by former AFRC Command Chief Master Sgt. Troy McIntosh. Before leaving, Airmen put on their service dress and were treated to a tour of the capitol including a visit to the House chamber.

The HRDC is hoping to offer this course and other incentives in the future to 934th Airmen which will give them a better understanding of current and future issues affecting the Air Force Reserve.