2016 Air, Space and Cyber Conference

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody speaks with Air Education and Training Command Airmen at the 2016 Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Md., Sept. 21, 2016. At the AETC booth, conference attendees had the opportunity to mingle with a military training instructor, battlefield Airmen, Air Force recruiters, explosive ordnance disposal Airmen, international pilots, a special experience identifier instructor and members of the F-35 Heritage Flight Team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chip Pons)

2016 Air, Space and Cyber Conference

Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James poses for a photo with Air Education and Training Command Airmen at the 2016 Air, Space and Cyber Conference, National Harbor, Md., Sept. 21, 2016. First Command Airmen from various career fields representing AETC showcased their capabilities, professionalism and innovation for conference attendees. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chip Pons)

2016 Air, Space and Cyber Conference

Lt. Gen. Daryl Roberson, commander of Air Education and Training Command talks with AETC Airmen at the 2016 Air, Space and Cyber Conference, National Harbor, Md., Sept. 21, 2016. AETC Airmen from various career fields showcased their capabilities, professionalism and innovation for conference attendees. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chip Pons)

2016 Air, Space and Cyber Conference

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Goldfein talks to battlefield Airmen at the Air Education and Training Command booth at the 2016 Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Md., Sept. 21, 2016. AETC Airmen showcased their capabilities, professionalism and innovation for conference attendees. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chip Pons)

2016 Air, Space and Cyber Conference

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Goldfein and his wife thank Air Education and Training Command Airmen for their contribution to the 2016 Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Md., Sept. 21, 2016. Goldfein gave his first "Air Force Update," during the conference. At the AETC booth, conference attendees had the opportunity to mingle with a military training instructor, battlefield Airmen, Air Force recruiters, explosive ordnance disposal Airmen, international pilots, a special experience identifier instructor and members of the F-35 Heritage Flight Team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chip Pons)

2016 Air, Space and Cyber Conference

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Goldfein and his wife, pose for a photo with Air Education and Training Command Airmen at the 2016 Air, Space and Cyber Conference, National Harbor, Md., Sept. 21, 2016. First Command Airmen from various career fields representing AETC showcased their capabilities, professionalism and innovation for conference attendees. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chip Pons)

AETC capabilities highlighted at ASC

Published Sept. 21, 2016
By Senior Airman Chip Pons
Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- First Command Airmen from various career fields representing Air Education and Training Command showcased their capabilities, professionalism and innovation for attendees of the 2016 Air, Space and Cyber Conference here Sept. 21.

Conference attendees had the opportunity to mingle with a military training instructor, battlefield Airmen, Air Force recruiters, explosive ordnance disposal Airmen, international pilots, a special experience identifier instructor and members of the F-35 Heritage Flight Team.

"This conference puts a human face to all of the industry giants and those who will be using their technology," said Capt. Matthew Burton, 459th Flying Training Squadron assistant chief of undergraduate pilot training. "We are the ones who will teach the next generation of Airmen."

"We are going to take tomorrow's Airmen and turn them from civilians to war fighters," he continued. “By utilizing the advanced technology being highlighted here today and the partnerships that will be formed."

While the booth served as a platform to share the AETC mission, it also provided Air Force senior leaders the opportunity to thank AETC Airmen for their contributions to the Air Force mission as a whole.

"Thank you for coming down here and sharing what you do with our partners in industry," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody. "Your efforts are greatly appreciated."

"I am a huge advocate of education because of what it can manifest into," Cody continued. "The key is, does the education actually improve your job performance? Because when it does, something important happens. Whatever you have to do to attain that training and skill set, do it...it will be more than worth it."

In addition to the visit by the CMSAF, Lt. Gen. Daryl Roberson, commander of AETC, the Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David Goldfein, all took a moment to interact with the Airmen and conclude the 2016 Air, Space and Cyber conference on a high note.