2 BW Airmen team with 307 BW

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Andrea F. Liechti
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Airmen from the 2nd Bomb Wing recently joined forces with the 307th Bomb Wing to help with their new Development and Training Flight, scheduled to kick off at the Airman Leadership School building here June 2.

The flight was designed to help recruits prepare both mentally and physically to successfully complete Basic Military Training. Though the 307 BW had several volunteers to help with the program, but not enough for the more than 50 new recruits they have waiting to go to BMT.

"For additional manpower, I reached out to our active duty force for volunteers and have been blessed with more than 100 volunteers from senior NCOs to Airmen," said Master Sgt. Sabrina Parker, D&TF coordinator. "The response to my need for volunteers has been phenomenal. Our volunteer list includes former BMT instructors, Military Training Leaders, Physical Training Leaders, inspired instructors and more. Each and every volunteer is motivated to make a difference, going above and beyond to inspire these new Airmen."

Senior Airman Carolina Guzman, 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, took the volunteer effort to another level. Not only did she volunteer her weekends to assist with the training elements of the program, she also volunteered to organize the large number of active duty volunteers.

"Master Sgt. Parker had a lot on her hands," Guzman said. "The opportunity she has given me to help her organize the volunteers and set up meetings allows me to practice my leadership skills. I look forward to helping the new recruits learn what's expected of them, as well as helping my peers participate in leadership opportunities we wouldn't otherwise have."

Even Guzman seemed as surprised as Parker was about the number of Barksdale Airmen who volunteered.

"It is absolutely amazing to see the number of people who have stepped forward," she said. "Go Team Barksdale."

Parker said the volunteers will train new recruits on BMT preparation, stress management, Air Force and Air Force Reserve Command history, customs and courtesies, enlisted force structure, dress and appearance, and physical training.

She said she has been preparing for the D&TF kickoff for several months.

"While coordinating this program I have had many days of reflection, reflecting on my BMT days," Parker said. "I remember how nervous I felt leaving for BMT, TI's screaming in my face, walking tall in my blues with my flight for the first time, the pride of parade day, graduation and looking in the mirror at a new me. The Air Force changed my life 14 and a half years ago, and as a wingman, leader and warrior I will never leave an Airman behind."

Parker is excited for the June drill weekend to arrive. The Airmen will pass on exceptional knowledge to the recruits, she said.

"I am humbly honored to play just a small part in assisting in the foundational guidance of the next generation of Air Force leaders," Parker said. "In an effort to create a well-established AFRC program, our active duty counterparts have played an exceptional role with overwhelming support."

For information on how to volunteer for the D&TF, email Parker at 307bw.dtf@us.af.mil.