Team McChord hosts Lunch and Leadership Lecture series

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jacob Jimenez
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The 62nd Airlift Wing commander’s action group hosted a Lunch and Leadership Lecture Nov. 4 at the McChord Chapel Support Center. The first training of the series was held to provide relevant informal leadership advice to Airmen of all ranks.

 

"This is an informal environment for anyone interested in leadership or professional development,” said Capt. Nick DeFranco, 62nd AW commander’s action group deputy chief. “We hope to create an interactive environment that allows members to engage with speakers."

 

Slated to occur the first Friday of every month, the Lunch and Leadership Lectures allow Airmen to attend while on their lunchbreak and eat there.

 

“We want a place where people can feel comfortable to go and learn," said DeFranco. "We also want to provide a diverse group of speakers - active duty, civilian and retired military."

 

The event’s speaker was retired Chief Master Sgt. Cary Hatzinger, former 62nd AW command chief. Hatzinger spoke on the importance of effective communication and healthy relationships in today’s world.

 

"Deliberate, thoughtful and purposeful communications delivered by the most appropriate means is key to leadership and great relationships," said Hatzinger.

 

Event attendees agreed the information presented by Hatzinger was useful and applicable. 

 

“I really like how he presented the evolution of technology as its progressed over time,” said Staff Sgt. Preston Nealy, 62nd AW judge advocate adverse actions NCO in charge. “He presented the information well and showed how to identify barriers and opportunities."

 

The focus of the event was to provide relevant and practical professional development content, said DeFranco.   

 

"The informal environment and the attendees can drive the topics,” said DeFranco. “Discussion is very flexible, and two-way conversations are highly encouraged."

 

Open to all Team McChord personnel interested in leadership related topics, Lunch and Leadership Lectures can be helpful to frontline supervisors and leaders in all positions, said DeFranco.

 

“I think this is awesome for NCOs and officers to help us become better leaders,” said Nealy. “This is a good investment for all of us to invest in our leadership and build up Airmen.”

 

For the first one of its kind, the training was well attended and the feedback received from the Airmen who attended was positive, said DeFranco.

 

“I think this bridged the gap and connected the dots between different generations,” said DeFranco. “This provides another avenue for Airmen to pursue professional development.”  

 

The next Lunch and Leadership Lecture is Friday Dec. 2 at the McChord Chapel Support Center. To find out more information about future events call the commanders action group at: 253-982-7832