Mentoring opportunities abound Published Dec. 16, 2011 By Col. Jay Pittman 302nd Airlift Wing, Commander PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The face of the wing is changing. As our unit evolves and grows, we are actually getting younger, overall. With our active duty associate squadron, the 52nd Airlift Squadron, and more of our members joining the wing without prior military service, we are seeing a younger and more diverse age demographic within the wing. The diversity within the Air Force Reserve and the 302nd Airlift Wing gives us a rich combination of experience and a variety of skill sets to draw upon to succeed in accomplishing our mission. This changing demographic also offers an opportunity for our more experienced Airmen to help shape and develop our newest members. For our highly experienced team members, I ask you to look around your units and shops and reach out to the next generation of Airmen. Please get to know your teammates, listen, learn and guide them. This includes both guidance in the job and in life. Offer your experiences and lessons learned. Use your wisdom and judgment to help our young, impressionable Airmen arrive at decisions which reflect the Air Force Core Values (integrity, service before self and excellence in all we do). Be a mentor. Today's world can be complicated -- popular media and society sends thousands of messages 24/7 -- the message and example you offer can make an important difference to our younger Airmen. Diversity is good, and we can become great by leveraging the opportunities from learning from one another. Happy holidays to you and your families. Be safe, be a Wingman and a mentor!