Professional development seminar for first term Airmen Published Aug. 15, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- More than 150 Airmen gathered at Scott Air Force Base Aug. 8-9 for the First Term Airman Leadership Conference, or FALCON, which was designed for first-term Airmen, by first-term Airmen. The motto for the event was "Motivate by Duty." The First Four council (Airman's council) at Scott first came up with the idea to put the conference on more than six months ago. According to Airman 1st Class Jacob Beeman, First Four president, the conference was created to allow junior enlisted members to learn concepts of networking, professional development and self-improvement early on in their career. "No, I am not talking about what you learn in Basic Military training," he said, "but FALCON was a First Four council initiative specifically dedicated to first term Airmen giving them the chance to not only learn, but also showcase their skills." The 375th Command Chief Marty Anderson opened the ceremony addressing the Airmen with two questions: Why are you here today wearing the uniform and what can you do to make a difference for others? The conference included briefers of various ranks and experience to provide a variety of leadership lessons. Workshops included briefings on Pulling Away From the Pack; Board Preparation; From Stripes to Bars; TDY & PCS; Exceptional Public Speaking; College 101; Working in a Joint Environment; Lead Now or Get Out of the Way; Military Writing; Volunteering that Matters; Own Your Paycheck; Networking; Stress Management; From Protégé to Mentor; and Family Living. Chief Master Sgt. Todd Petzel, 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron superintendent, briefed "Lead Now or Get Out the Way," which was about effective leadership and how to not just meet standards, but exceed them as well. "When I was a young Airman developmental opportunities were few and far between," Petzel said. "We as Airmen need to rise up and take advantage of today's developmental opportunities." Airman 1st Class April Browning, 375th Dental Squadron said her favorite seminar topic was the one Petzel spoke about. "He was really motivational, and he gave us great information on how to become a better leader," she said. "I also really liked the College 101 briefing because it explained how I could increase my education while in the military." USTRANSCOM senior enlisted advisor spoke and trophies were presented to top performers during FALCON. They also gave an award for the squadron who had the highest attendance. The First Four Council's goal was for participation at this conference to provide first-term Airmen information about future careers. "I hope the Airmen in attendance leave here with better understanding of the military world and our future as successful military leaders," Beeman said, "and take this opportunity to prepare for their futures."