The 375th Air Mobility Wing held a ribbon cutting ceremony, Aug. 29, 2023, to celebrate its new professional development center. The project, which was initiated in September 2021, was to help co-locate all students and staff in professional development to building 1650.
With buildings aging and programs expanding, there were multiple locations being used for, but not dedicated to, professional development. Allowing educators and their students to have this new facility will greatly improve quality of life for members in programs like the Career Assistance Advisor (now Development Advisor), First Term Airmen Course and Air National Guard and reserve recruiters.
“We made the very difficult decision to reallocate education center space,” said Charles Day, 375th Force Support Squadron flight chief. “We converted two classrooms, enabling four dedicated office spaces and reassigning two large classrooms to the development advisor for the First Term Airmen Course and a myriad of other PD classes,”
The 375th FSS invested $91,400 into this project with a focus of making it a comfortable space dedicated for education.
“The facility was upgraded with a professional glass entry and exit door, awning, sidewalk and outside signage,” said Day. “This gives them a dedicated entrance and more importantly, an identity where everyone knows they reside.”
Day explained that from the First Term Airmen Course all the way to SkillBridge, the professional development center is involved from the beginning to the end of an Airman’s career.
“None of this effort could have been realized without the support of the engineering, communication and contracting squadrons at the 375th,” said Day. “Their guidance and professionalism were paramount to the success of the project from initial discussions to project completion.”
Most of the emphasis was placed on how the professional development center will benefit Airmen now and in the future.
During the ribbon cutting, Col. Richard Kind, 375th AMW deputy commander said, “The center is more than just brick and mortar, right? It is a living embodiment of our values, our struggles–it shows our commitment and our vision to the future when it comes to education.”
Staff Sgt. Kyler Childress, First Term Airmen Center Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, echoed a statement from Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass, “We must deliberately develop our Airmen to ensure they remain our strongest competitive advantage.”
“By providing members of Scott Air Force Base a place to call home for their professional development,” said Childress. “I have no doubt we can exceed that expectation of leadership development for all members on Team Scott.”
