WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The 445th Airlift Wing has a full-time Active Guard/Reserve resiliency first sergeant to take care of the needs of all wing Airmen who have issues outside of the scheduled unit training assembly weekends. Master Sgt. Rebeccah Stammen assumed the position in January 2021 but was dual-hatted as the 445th Force Support Squadron first sergeant until this year.
She will hold the position until January 2024.
The AGR position of first sergeant is new for the 445th Airlift Wing. Wing leadership decided that to better serve all Reserve Citizen Airmen, a full-time first sergeant was needed.
Adding this new position to her resume is something she said is needed, and she is ready to take on the role. Stammen said she didn’t have interaction with a first sergeant until she became one.
“I have been serving for almost 22 years and have never interacted with a first sergeant on a personal matter. It’s a humbling admission because I could have used one on multiple occasions,” said Stammen.
Sergeant Stammen attended the First Sergeant Academy in-residence course for four weeks of instruction and graduated in January of 2020. Prior to becoming a first sergeant, she spent 17 years in the legal career field, more than five years of that was as the law office superintendent here at the 445th. In October 2019, she became the traditional reservist first sergeant for the 445th Force Support Squadron.
Stammen has heard from various Airmen that they do not understand the role of the first sergeant let alone how they can help their Airmen.
“I’ve been told that the role of the shirt is not widely known. I’d like to change that. The first sergeant is there, and wants to be there, to assist in getting our Airmen the help they want, require and deserve. I believe in a life of responsibilities, passions and goals that must be balanced,” she said.
Air Force Instruction 36-2113, The First Sergeant, lists the responsibilities of a first sergeant. Stammen said the AFI cannot prepare a first sergeant for the emotional investment the job requires.
“We take on the struggles and the successes of our members. I’m fortunate to be a member of a phenomenal first sergeant council, comprised of first sergeants who go above and beyond for their units as well as for each other. As the sole full-time shirt within the wing, I try to ensure we are all communicating effectively and have the information we require to fulfill our responsibilities,” said the resiliency first sergeant.
Stammen has encouraging words for 445th Airmen.
“It is the shirts responsibility to provide our members with the tools they need to accomplish the mission. It is the shirts passion to show care, offer correction, and provide challenges for our Airmen. It is the shirts goal to develop trust and create a healthy environment for our members to grow.
“Every member of the 445th is entitled to those benefits. Wearing the diamond every day has been the greatest privilege in my military career. The individuals I work with inspire me daily, there is no job quite like this one. It’s an honor to be the shirt,” she added.