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The opportunity of a lifetime

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brian Butkus
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Eighty staff and technical sergeants and civilian attendees from around the Air Force attended the Phoenix Stripe conference held here Jan. 7 to Friday.

The Phoenix Stripe program is a highly selective, professional development program geared toward providing attendees with an operational overview of all facets of AMC's global reach mission, a broad analysis of key issues impacting air mobility and critical insight into each attendee's contribution to the total force air mobility team.

"Phoenix Stripe is a relatively obscure conference," said Jim Domina, event coordinator. "Unless you've sent one of your troops to a previous conference, know someone who attended or attended yourself, you probably won't know about it."

During the conference, the command's senior leaders briefed attendees about their responsibilities and respective directorates.

"Having the chance to sit down and talk to senior leaders was really a rewarding experience," said Tech. Sgt. Jun Codiamat, conference attendee. "This opportunity really allowed me to access the minds of our leaders and get a better understanding of the direction the Air Force is heading."

In addition to briefings from senior officers, attendees were also treated to time with Chief Master Sergeant Joseph Barron, AMC command chief, and two panels of chief master sergeants and first sergeants.

When the senior enlisted members briefed the attendees, the focus was on fitness, promotions, education and career broadening, but the common message was about what it takes to be successful enlisted professional.

"After hearing what the senior enlisted members had to say I hope to bring back to my coworkers a new sense of motivation, leadership, excitement, dedication and commitment," said Sergeant Codiamat.

In addition to the various briefings, the attendees also toured the Tanker Airlift Control Center and participated in the "Fit to Fight" physical training session at the James Gym.

"Those who attended this conference truly exemplified some of the sharpest NCOs in our Air Force," said Mr. Domina. "I hope after leaving this conference attendees get perspectives of its senior leadership, as well as what it takes to be a great leader in today's Air Force.