Diamonds, an Airman’s best friend

Published May 28, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez
455th Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Diamonds symbolize strength, eternity and excellence, and after the unbreakable stone is mined it is polished to become a gem. First sergeants in the U.S. Air Force are distinguished by their diamonds in between their chevrons, and just like the stone, these senior non-commissioned officers are polished to become the "rock" of the enlisted core.

As a first sergeant, Senior Master Sgt. Gloria Weatherspoon, 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, who is deployed to Bagram Airfield Afghanistan from Travis Air Force Base, Calif. and a native of Philadelphia, Pa., embodies the diamond she wears.

To become a first sergeant or a "shirt", they go through a selection process, a four-week online course and two-weeks of in-residence training. According to Weatherspoon some personality and communication skills are also necessary for the job.

"As a first sergeant you have to know what being a leader means," said Weatherspoon. "A thing to understand about shirts is that we have reverent power not positional power... We get things done by virtue of who we are and how we treat people."

For a year-and-a-half Weatherspoon has dedicated her time to helping all Airmen regardless of rank. Although this is her first time deployed as a first sergeant, she understands the importance of being a helping hand for the more than 300 Airmen she takes care of.

"My role as a first sergeant here is very important," said Weatherspoon. "Because we are away from home and the environment we are in, my job is to take care of anything that would personally impact any of the Airmen who in return impact the mission."

Being a servant leader, Weatherspoon's job is to take care of others and report to the unit commander on matters that affect welfare, morale and conduct. While this may not be an easy feat, she does everything in her control to ensure her deployed Airmen are well taken care of.

"I don't take 'no' for an answer, there is always something I can do for my Airmen," said Weatherspoon. "If they need new mattresses, I find a way... If they need someone to vent to, I am here."

"My duty is to be here and bring people a little happiness away from home."

Weatherspoon visits her Airmen daily, she believes the best way to understand and get to know her people is through communication. She builds rapport the best way she knows how, by making people laugh.

"I try to make them laugh as much as possible, it helps the deployment go by faster if people are laughing," said Weatherspoon. "As a first sergeant you have to be a people person, you cannot be an introvert as you have to be able to form relationships... if you sit at your desk and not interact, they [Airmen] will not trust you with their problems."

Protecting and taking care of each other is a priority for all Airmen, but for the 14 first sergeant here this responsibility is their daily mission regardless of time and place. Whether they have one or eight stripes, Weatherspoon believes in being a leader for the Airmen

"It was a first sergeant who invested time in me when I was not the best Airman around, they made a positive impact," said Weatherspoon. "I had the support I needed and that is when I decided that was the kind of leader I wanted to be... I wanted to be in a position where I can positively impact and invoke change in our Airmen."

While the mission in a deployed environment never stops, senior non-commissioned officers like Weatherspoon are specifically diamond cut to serve the Airmen here at Bagram. They work around the clock to ensure the Airmen who contribute to the mission are always at their best.

Just like a diamond shines brightly wherever it is placed, the first sergeants reflect a positive attitude and excellence while taking care of their Airmen.