First Sergeant promotes Wingman role

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nicholas Collins
  • 927th Maintenance Group
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla --  As citizen Airmen, members of the Air Force Reserve Command are expected to balance multiple roles in their lives. For Master Sgt. Terry Willis, this balance includes his job as an Air Reserve technician at MacDill Air Force Base, his civilian life as a father, husband, and college student, and his role as the acting First Sergeant of the 927th Maintenance Group, an Air Force Reserve group of more than 190 members.

Wellness and stability in one's personal life are pivotal in the success of a reservist, and Willis has seen firsthand how important it is to maintain that balance.

"Their civilian employment is critical to their daily survival. A change in jobs or unemployment can often cause financial hardship," said Willis.

Willis believes that fellow Airmen need to reach out and ensure the wellness of the members from the wing, and said that he tries to be available to his Airmen for whatever they may need.

"At 7 o'clock when my phone rings, and it's a reservist with a personal problem, I need to act and put him in touch with local resources to ensure that he is able to get by."

Whether it's financial troubles, employment questions, or a need for personal mentorship, Willis' day doesn't end when he leaves MacDill.

Willis has found one of the best ways to reach out to Airmen is through off-duty functions. He recently began arranging a monthly informal social meeting for members of the 927th fabrication flight. These get-togethers have opened the lines of communication for Airmen and have brought about bonding within the flight.

"We are constantly transitioning between our civilian lives and our military lives," says Eric Crews, a 927th Maintenance Squadron Air Reserve technician. "Being able to get together and just talk and check in on each other really brings us together."

Understand this togetherness is Chief Master Sergeant Cameron B. Kirksey, command chief master sgt of the Air Force Reserve Command, who recently addressed Airmen about three main focus areas: team unity, team opportunities, and team wellness. Kirksey highlighted that team wellness centers around caring for our people, and that its' presence is paramount toward the success of the AFRC.

Agreeing with with fact was Willis, who stated that he has made an effort to put those ideals into action.

"We're a family here at MacDill," says Willis. "Our success as an organization is proof of the importance of being involved in the personal lives of our wingmen."