SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- More than 100 enlisted personnel from the 340th Flying Training Group and its seven geographically separated units gathered to attend the 340th FTG Enlisted Summit April 2-5, 2024.
The summit facilitated an opportunity for members to gain insight directly from senior enlisted leaders at Air Force Reserve Command, 22nd Air Force, and the 340th FTG.
“It had been five years since the enlisted members of the 340th came together, under one roof, to network, connect, and grow as a team,” said Senior Master Sgt. Giavonia Fields, 43rd Flying Training Squadron senior enlisted leader and summit director. “Since then, there has been several transitions in leadership along with changes to Air Force level policies and directives, so the senior enlisted leaders of the summit created the curriculum and agenda.”
The theme of the Enlisted Summit was to Develop Future Leaders. The innovators created an intentional and sustainable mentoring program that supports the personal and professional development of all assigned Airmen propelling AFRC’s strategic priority of Transforming for the Future.
According to Fields, the summit objectives were met through a collection of seminars and workshops such as the Overcoming Communication Barriers and Expanding Your Perspective workshops. Within each workshop, there were three to four interactive classes that took a deeper dive into what it takes to be a leader in today’s Air Force.
“The impact of the enlisted summit was insurmountable. Several members are requesting the Enlisted Summit to be an annual event,” added Fields. “It was the perfect way to allow our Airmen to receive pertinent professional development and enhance mission understanding.”
During the summit, Chief Master Sgt. Chin Cox, 22nd AF command chief and guest speaker, took time to recognize the following members for exceptional performance in the following 2023 AFRC A1 annual award categories.
Legacy Awards category:
General Billy J. Boles Mentorship Award
Master Sgt. Alecia Lovci, 340th Flying Training Group Undergraduate Flying Training program
Dr. Edwin C. Peterson Education and Training Manager Award
Master Sgt. Kyle Gossen, 340th FTG
Installation Awards category:
Force Support NCO of the Year
Technical Sgt. Janette M. Lopez, 340th FTG
Force Support Capabilities Award category:
Military Personnel Flight
340th Flying Training Group
Commander Support Staff
5th Flying Training Squadron
Education & Training Team Installation Level
340th Flying Training Group