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Show June 30, 1994 Pave the way I informed as the drawdown continues. Even though numbers for future cuts will be dictated, she hopes to have some input into how those reductions are distributed. The important thing, she said, will be ensuring everyone gets- the information they need to make decisions that are right for them. In making those decisions, the chief had four words of advice "Prepare yourself for tomorrow." by TSgt. Stefanie Doner WRIGHT-PATTERSO- N - AFB, Ohio (AFMCNS) One of the first things you notice as you enter CMSgt. Kathy Ballard's office is her welcoming smile. Her calm, quiet voice quickly puts you at ease and, as you begin to speak, her attention focuses on you as though you are all that matters. You feel like you can really tell her what's on your mind. As Air Force Materiel Command's new senior enlisted advisor, she wants to know what the command's enlisted people are thinking. She wants you to know she's listening. , "My immediate goal is to visit every group of enlisted people in AFMC," said Ballard. She said she wants to do more than take an official tour of an installation. She plans to look around unescorted and at odd hours so she can meet as many people as possible. Ballard, on the job for a week, took over the reins from CMSgt. Michael DiGregorio following his retirement June 10. She brings with her a fierce determination to work for the best interests of enlisted people throughout the command. ; "I want to let the people know that I'm here, I'm interested, and that your concerns are my concerns. Unless people tell me what their concerns are, I I want to let people know that I'm here, I'm interested, and that your concerns are my concerns. Unless people tell me what their concerns are, I can't represent them. tomorrow Prepare for of whether a . v can't represent them." High on the list of concerns is downsizing. Ballard said she intends to continue keeping AFMC's enlisted force : cor-recti- ve 99 : experience in. It's frightening.". The chief said each of us must ask ' ourselves now about how we would live and work outside the Air Force. It's important, she said, to determine as soon as possible whether or not a person is doing the right things to prepare to be better airmen while serving and better citizens when his or her service is done. Facing those issues now can go a long way toward easing anxiety and gives us time to take measures if the answers are not good. Unfortunately, she pointed but, too many enlisted people fail to use programs meant to help ease the transition or wait too long before they start preparing for the major change of leaving the military. "You can't wait until six months be , CMSgt. Kathy Ballard AFMC senior enlisted advisor "Those are decisions a family has to make. Too often I see that the family is not prepared for this next life. It should be remembered that they are experiencing the same fears we are. Get them involved, take them to transition sessions, read all the information together, go to the library and do the research. Make the transition as,; easy on everyone as possible;,"., Preparation isn't, just for families. Ballard said single people must be just as aggressive in preparing for life outside the Air Force. She said that although there has been some bias over the years,, she strongly believes that single people should have the same opportunities for representation and support as married members. NO MORE ity to ensure junior enlisted are ready to become the NCOs of tomorrow. She considers it a "cop out" to blame a mostly civilian workforce for a failure to maintain the military image. "We are professional military people. The greatest disservice we do to our young people is to bring them into this command from basic training and send them into an organization where they have no senior enlisted leadership to guide and groom them for the future. "As senior NCOs, we have the responsibility to those young ones to groom them so they are full participating partners, part of the team. We have to make sure that they get the Please see Advisor, YOUR DOLLARS! BORROW UP TO $200 vv CASH INSTANTLY r-y- checksl Check Expressions offers cash for your post-date- d We can help you, so you don't have bounced check charges if you go over your budget. We can help you make it from payday e 2. A Job 1. 2 forms of l.P to full-tim- payday!!!!! All you need Is: 3. A personal checking account Check Expressions is here to help you. Come in and see for yourself. Fast and friendly service, tool XS(mSSions 5642 S. Redwood Kearns 964-540- 0 Rd. ' others 66 - person is "Regardless or separating retiring, leaving the Air Force is very uncomfortable, because it is a lif estyle he or she has been com- fortable with for many years. Sudden-ly- , he finds himself stepping out into a world that he may not have a lot of 85 West 33rd Salt Lake 466-707- 0 south city . 1115 3 fore you retire or separate to decide for where you're going to live and what For the chief, preparing for tomoryou're going to do when you get there. row means more than just getting You must plan ahead, not just finan-- , yourself ready for change. It means cially, but in all areas. You must work helping the next generation succeed as on resumes, decide what type of. work .well. She readily.admits she is a big ad- you're interested in and ask yourself vocate of education as a vital means whether you plan to move where the for both personal and professional job is, or find the right location and growth and believes today's noncomthen find a job," Ballard said. missioned officers have a responsibil- - AFMG welcomes new s e n i o r e n i sted a d vi s o r AFMC News Service editor Hilltop Times west 500 south Bountiful 292-292- 9 713 North Main Layton 546-277- 8 5633 SOUth 1900 West ROY 825-644- 5 Page 5. |