Diamonds in the desert: Keeping order and maintaining discipline Published July 17, 2015 By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Andrejcik 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Southwest Asia -- The diamond insignia is a distinct symbol recognized by all Airmen. Leading from the front, first sergeants embody the whole Airman concept and they set the bar for members within their unit.Whether it’s giving praise, helping with personal matters or passing on information, first sergeants are at the forefront of handling their people’s needs.“The first line of the First Sergeant’s Creed is “My job is people, everyone is my business”, said Master Sgt. Kathleen, Expeditionary Force Support Squadron first sergeant. Master Sgt. Adele, Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant, added to that notion saying, “It's not simply about the discipline nor is it about policing standards, those are the small things people see and hear about. What it is really all about is helping our Airmen, being their voice, mentoring them, encouraging them, being there for them when they feel helpless and feel they have nowhere to turn.”The recently implemented developmental special duty program has changed the way Airmen are selected for positions like first sergeant. However, the Air Force still ensures only the most qualified people are picked to fulfill that mission.In today’s joint environment, U.S. Airmen as well as Soldiers look to their respective first sergeants to help bridge the gap when they’re faced with unique situations.For First Sergeant Renard, 1st Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment first sergeant, carrying out these duties here has been one the most gratifying experiences of his career.“Every senior non-commissioned officer in the Army doesn’t get the chance to serve as a first sergeant, it has definitely been my privilege,” said Chaffin. “The most rewarding part of this is to be able to train, inspire, mentor, lead and develop Soldiers; I do these things so that one day they can take my position and I can leave here knowing I spilled out every ounce of my knowledge, experience and leadership abilities into these Soldiers.”All Airmen are prepared to answer the call of duty but first sergeant responsibilities seem to go above and beyond those expectations.They remain vigilant and available 24/7, ready to contend with any situation.“The general perception of a first sergeant is discipline, enforcing uniform standards, dorm inspections and financial aid,” said Adele. “But we are so much more. Not everyone needs us, but to those that do, have and will, know we are more than enforcers of the Uniform Code of Military Justice or the dress and appearance patrol.”First sergeants are constantly in the trenches with their Airmen and it’s the return from those actions, which makes it all worth it.For Adele, the experience of being a first sergeant has been more than what she expected.“The reward comes behind closed doors, where no one sees,” she said. “When you are able to pick Airmen up off the ground, dust them off, give them hope and help them see there is a light in their darkest moments.”First sergeants stay in perpetual motion, keeping their units prepared mentally and physically so they can execute the mission.Wearing the diamond comes with a binding responsibility to care, which extends not just exclusively to Airmen but also their families, especially those separated by deployment.“My spouse is also in the military and we have children; so my husband and I both know what families are going through,” said Kathleen. “We’ve been there. Know that we will take care of your spouse while he or she is here, because we are one Air Force family. It’s what we do.”(Editor’s note: Due to safety and security reasons, last names were removed.)