PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- With its chartered mission as a place to develop Airmen of all ranks from throughout the wing by collaboration, the 302nd Airlift Wing Human Resources Development Council has set its course and begun working its mission.
One 302nd AW HRDC program now in place is the quarterly Member Readiness Education, or MRE, series which is open to all members of the wing.
Staff Sgt. Thomas Smith, 39th Aerial Port Squadron cargo journeyman, led the first fiscal year Human Resource Development Council MRE session here on Sunday of the November Unit Training Assembly. It was a financial readiness lunch aimed at helping Airmen develop personal budgeting and saving techniques.
Members from the Junior Enlisted Advisory Council attended along with key leaders of the 302nd Airlift Wing including Chief Master Sgt. Otis Jones, 302nd AW command chief, and Col. Erich Novak, 302nd AW vice commander.
In addition to development, HRDC works to promote diversity within the wing. “The overall goal is to create and maintain a culturally diversified work force that meets the 302nd AW readiness requirements and reflect the diversity of the communities where we live and serve,” according to the 302nd AW HRDC charter.
Additionally, “The purpose of HRDC is to advise and make recommendations to the Wing Commander on any human resource matter,” per the charter. This provides an opportunity for all Airmen of all ranks to influence the wing and network with other wing councils.
“HRDC is an umbrella council that links with other councils to maximize our resources within a minimal timeframe,” said Novak. “The workshops that have been initiated are outstanding and engaging in order to enable our Airmen with the right resources.”
According to Lt. Col. Kallece Quinin, 302nd AW Inspector General and HRDC chair, HRDC empowers Airmen to make a positive influence on the whole unit. Eyes on the ground in different sections bring multiple perspectives in developing effective projects.
“The council members bring skills, experience, hard work and feedback to the council every month that allows it to complete its mission,” said Quinn. “It is the direct line of communication between members and the Wing Commander that enables HRDC to be effective,” she said.
The HRDC charter also lists the council’s focus for its projects. The focuses are: Orientation and Assimilation, Career Development and Mentoring, Morale and Retention, Marketing and Relations, and Community Outreach.
Quinn further explained HRDC is working to achieve each focus goal through the MRE opportunities and an annual development workshop. Future quarterly MRE luncheon topics include: the new travel system, bullet and decoration writing, and how to become an Air Reserve Technician. The annual workshop, open to all wing members who pre-register, is projected to cover topics such as Thrift Savings Plan overview, the four lenses personality training, how to create opportunities in the AF Reserve, educational benefits, practical problem solving method, and networking with leadership.
“HRDC is looking for members and active leadership to increase our outreach,” said Quinn.
Quinn added, to be effective, the 302nd AW HRDC needs to know what our Airmen need. HRDC group members contribute ideas to the MRE lunches, workshop, and planning to better enhance the overall readiness of 302nd Airmen.
Interested Reservists should contact Quinn to get details on becoming a member of the 302nd AW HRDC.