Airmen leadership conference focuses on 'deeds not words'

by Airman 1st Class Kiana Brothers
375 Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

11/2/2015 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.  -- Nearly 200 Airmen attended the First Four Airmen Leadership Conference, or FALCON, at the education center here Oct. 20-21. This conference was designed by Airmen for Airmen and the theme for the event was "Facta non verba," meaning deeds not words.

"To me this means when we have a goal, we must actually take the steps necessary to accomplish it," said Airman 1st Class Andrew Hoang, previous First Four Professional development director.

The First Four council FALCON committee plans, coordinates, and gathers diverse facilitators throughout Team Scott to provide many perspectives and experience to the Airmen. This year's conference marked FALCON's four year anniversary and hosted the most Airmen since the creation of this conference.

Col. Laura Lenderman, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, kicked off the conference by sharing her advice on taking advantage of every leadership opportunity, and conducted a Q&A with the airmen.

Airmen registered for classes pertaining to professional or personal development, and civilian or military career fields. Throughout each day, class structures were built on the concepts of what to expect when transitioning to be an NCO, transitioning from enlisted to officer, how to reach out to mentors or become a mentor, and learning their personality colors.

Airman 1st Class Christen Tadaj, FALCON participant, said, "I usually don't like public speaking, but I went to the public speaking class and the facilitator told us to embrace the anxiety, so I did. I went to the impromptu speaking class and it was awesome."

Skill labs were also offered, giving Airmen a chance to learn and compete in workshops involving impromptu speaking, bullet writing and various leadership scenarios. Trophies were awards to the following: Senior Airmen Terra Sanders, Michelle Jones, Adam Nelson, Nicole Blews, and Airman 1st Class Dominic Kagenski.

The classes were facilitated and judged by Team Scott's civilians, retirees, first sergeants, education office staffers, enlisted members and officers.

In addition, the Air Force Sergeant's Association hosted a team building activity based on survival skills. The event randomly selected groups of Airmen to evaluate a list of items needed for survival, bringing various ideas and perspectives to the group.

Hoang said, "Whether you are taking your first steps to achieving your Air Force goals or are already on the road to accomplishing them, FALCON had something to offer all Airmen."

The new First Four Council president, Senior Airman Kenyana Cornethan, and vice president, Senior Airman Nicole Blews, along with the FALCON committee, will gather feedback from this year's event to mold next year's conference where they plan to expand beyond Scott AFB.

Chief Master Sgt. Wesley Mathias, 375th Air Mobility Wing command chief, closed out the event leaving Airmen with the idea that the sky is the limit for them.

Thompson added, "Everyone on the committee had a 'don't-quit attitude' which made FALCON successful, and we're looking forward to next year's conference."