Pope Field hosts career, diversity day

Published Dec. 6, 2012
By Master Sgt. Steve Staedler
440 AW/PA

POPE FIELD, N.C. -- If there's one thing that caught Rodrick Smith's eye, it was the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures system.

For several minutes, Smith, who heads to basic military training in early January to begin his career as a crew chief with the 440th Airlift Wing here, listened to Senior Airman Courtney Wheeler explain how the LAIRCM system deflects infrared man-portable missiles from striking aircraft like the C-130 Hercules.

"A lot of people are interested in what we do and how we maintain this defensive system on the C-130," Wheeler said. "Our main goal with this system is to keep the missiles away from the aircraft."

The LAIRCM system was just one of many exhibits on display at the 440th Airlift Wing's inaugural Career and Diversity Day Nov. 4. The goal of the event was to raise awareness about all the career opportunities offered on base and broaden Airmen's view of the wing's overall mission. Brig. Gen. Norman Ham, 440th Airlift Wing commander, challenged wing leadership to create an event by the end of the year to address Airmen development through recruitment and retention. The wing's Human Resources and Development Council (HRDC) took up the cause.

"This was HRDC's first event, and we wanted to highlight all the opportunities available to Airmen here on base to become good leaders in this wing," said Col. Kimberly Robinson, 440th Airlift Wing Inspector General and HRDC vice chairman. "We're very lucky to have such a diverse wing with Airmen possessing a high degree of knowledge and experiences. And the ability to expand their view of the wing is truly a win-win for everyone involved."

Airmen attending the event visited more than 40 booths and exhibits from wing squadrons, units and specific shops. Additionally, local military and civic organizations had booths on display, and the HRDC provided a variety of ethnic foods from local restaurants for Airmen to sample.

Staff Sgt. Erin Duke, 440th Maintenance Operation Squadron, had visited four booths before speaking with Staff Sgt. Peter Miller, 440th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, to learn about his job.

"I think Career and Diversity Day is helpful to people like me who are curious about seeing if there is another career I might be interested in," she said. "It's good to have face-to-face meetings in learning about other jobs...and free food is nice too."

Linda Parrous was one of the local vendors serving up its specialties.

"It's a good opportunity for us to give back to the military community, and also meet new folks and let them know who we are," said Parrous, co-owner of Luigi's Italian Restaurant.

While many squadrons were eager to showcase their role in the wing, one section was ready to hire on the spot.

"Sheet metal wants you!" said Tech. Sgt. Jerry Veach, who works in the fabrication shop of the 440th Maintenance Squadron.

Veach said a career in fabrication and sheet metal is rewarding because he gets to dirty his hands on every project. He spent the day explaining to people just how many things - from virtually every part of the C-130 to manufacturing parts for other shops - that fabrication and sheet metal support on base.

"We're a jack of all trades when it comes right down to it," he said. "We're always thinking outside the box when it comes to our job and looking at new ways of doing things."

Leaders in the HRDC called the four-hour event a success and said they would consider hold a second Career and Diversity Day in the future.

"This is all about taking care of our people," said Col. Sharon Johnson, 440th Maintenance Group commander and HRDC member. "We're all in this together and the more we can showcase the talents of our people and the opportunities available to them, the better we all become."

HRDC career and diversity day