340th FTG senior enlisted leaders gather for leadership summit

  • Published
  • By Jet Fabara
  • 340th Flying Training Group Public Affairs

The 340th Flying Training Group hosted a packed week of leadership development and bi-annual training events for the group’s senior enlisted leaders Mar. 28-31, 2023.

This summit consisted of professional development and feedback sessions on pertinent information to improve each of the seven geographically separated units and group. Throughout the summit, the team facilitated GSU immersions to help SELs understand each GSU mission and how they support the 340th FTG.

“Due to the leadership changes at both the group and squadron level over the past year, this summit provided an opportunity for crucial face-to-face forums with SELs from [GSUs] within the group for professional development,” said Senior Master Sgt. Tricia Adolphues, 5th Flying Training Squadron senior enlisted leader. “Our goal is to build strong partnerships and relationships in hopes of strengthening the group cohesion as a whole, forging operational successes in how we conduct business and a way forward in building our enlisted bench.”

During the summit, the planning team was able to facilitate a meeting with 340th leadership, section chiefs, and the first sergeant’s panel to discuss and learn about best practices, procedure updates and trends on how to support one another, the group, and its Airmen. Additionally, the team hosted Wounded Warrior Representative retired Senior Master Sgt. Carlos Villarreal who shared what the organization offers and how the program can provide help to Airmen.

“The investment in your senior enlisted is vital to help in managing successful teams and operations they have been appointed to take charge of,” added Adolphues. “Additionally, [this summit] provided platforms where SELs can receive professional development to vector them in important career positions to sharpen their leadership skills.”

The summit also provided an opportunity to introduce the group’s new senior enlisted leader, Chief Master Sgt. Warisar Villarreal, and SELs Senior Master Sgt. Giavonia Lopez, from the 43rd FTS, and Senior Master Sgt. Melissa Edwards, from the 96th FTS.