KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The first Leaders Influencing Together (LIFT) event was held in form of an ice cream social at the Lighthouse inside of the Larcher Chapel here, Nov. 8.
Non-commissioned officers, senior non-commissioned officers, and company grade officers gathered to mentor Airmen in an open forum. The Airmen in attendance sought guidance and mentorship in various topics to include finance, commissioning, education, stress management, and more with mentors who were available for each topic.
The opportunity to become a mentor was available to all the NCOs across the base. The NCOs interested in becoming a mentor had to submit an application to become one. From there only the best of the best was chosen.
“The purpose of this program is to give Airmen of all ranks the opportunity to build genuine relationships with people outside of their work space,” said Master Sgt. Julia Baron, 81st Force Support Squadron career development superintendent.
The LIFT program strives to make Airmen more resilient by giving them the opportunity to establish relationships with their higher ranking counterparts.
“We want Airmen to have someone, to have somebody, they can talk to,” said Staff Sgt. Jamal Williams, 81st FSS manpower analyst. “Whether it’s about professional development, work, or personal problems, these Airmen will have the opportunity to build connections so they will always have a mentor they can go to.”
The LIFT program is a one of the products that came from a meeting Col. Heather Blackwell, 81st Training Wing commander, had with some of Keesler’s dorm residents. Many dorm residents expressed that they do not have anyone to go to for guidance and would like to have genuine mentors.
This program is designed to further push the culture of Keesler, a culture of empowerment and resiliency.
“This program is definitely something we would like to continue across the wing,” said Baron.