Airmen take steps today to be better tomorrow Published March 4, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Woodward 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Thirty-two of Scott's younger Airmen set aside time to learn more about some of the tools needed to become better Airmen during the Airman Enhancement Program Feb. 25-27. The program, which was held at the Enlisted Professional Enhancement Center, was designed to inform Airmen how to be successful at their current ranks and how to carry those traits over as they transition to NCOs. "The Airman Enhancement Program is open to all Airmen who finished the First-Term Airman Course through senior airmen who have not gone to Airman Leadership School yet," said Master Sgt. Scott Greene, Enlisted Professional Enhancement Center career assistance advisor. "I don't like to see Airmen go down the wrong path, especially because they 'didn't know,' and that's what this program is here for, to put Airmen on the right path." Over the course of three days, Airmen were exposed to different people and places on base that can provide service to Airmen. Briefs ncluded the Education Office, Airman and Family Readiness Center, different career opportunities, assignments, the First Sergeants' and Chiefs' Panels, and professional organizations. "The program has bettered my horizons and made a better leader who is more responsible while I am still low in rank," said Airman 1st Class Jeremiah Niesen, 375th Communications Squadron voice network systems technician. Airmen also heard from other members on base who have found ways to excel in areas such as time management, organization, mentorship and setting goals. "I feel like I have been given information now that will not only help me, but it will help my future troops to also be able to succeed as Airmen," said Senior Airman Jackson Josey, 375th Medical Operations Squadron Mental Health technician. Most of the Airmen came in feeling they already knew the topics that were going to be covered, but many were surprised to be learning something new. "I'm actually learning stuff," said Airman 1st Class Alex Altman, 375th MDOS Health Services manager. "Because I work in Belleville, I felt I really didn't get a lot of information, and AEP has helped me find volunteer work." Students seemed to enjoy Chief Master Sgt. Jim Suttles, 375th Airlift Wing command chief, brief the most. "Chief Suttles talked about real problems," said Airman 1st Class Bobby Brown, 375th Security Forces Squadron installation controller. "He spoke about the problems that everyone else is afraid to talk about. "I would come again and I encourage all other Airmen to participate next time." The AEP is a quarterly event. Notifications will be sent out via e-mail when the next AEP is open for sign ups.