Page 7 - Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, February 5, 2021

6 February 5, 2021 news Desert lightning news s. nevaDa Desert lightning news s. nevaDa February 5, 2021 7
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Flying first sergeant maintains qualifications

Dentistry For Children

by Natalie Stanley For Brittany, being a new first sergeant during CO- Specializing in dentistry for children of all ages, including those with special needs.
Creech AFB, Nev. VID-19 has come with unique hurdles, including attending Board Certified Pediatric Dentists Special ServiceS
the first and only completely virtual first sergeant school. • Nitrous Oxide
Master Sgt. Brittany, 91st Attack Squadron first ser- However, with the support of the squadron leadership Dr. Jon P. Galea • Sedation
geant, is unique. and the use of technology, she has been able to support Dr. Elizabeth J. McGee • Hospital Dentistry
She is one of the first enlisted aviators who have taken her people through a challenging year.
the step outside her career field to become a first sergeant, “I never imagined a few years ago that I would be a 702-853-7322
while still maintaining her flight hours and required first sergeant, let alone get my diamond virtually, but I Most insurances accepted.
qualifications. am thankful for the fantastic technology that has allowed www.pediatricdentalcareassociates.com • 6365 Simmons St., Suite 100 • North Las Vegas • Located at the SW corner of Aliante and Centennial Parkway
“I have a passion for helping people,” said Brittany. “I me to connect and stay connected in this unprecedented
wanted an opportunity to build them up and that is what year,” she said.
drew me to this opportunity.” Brittany will serve as a first sergeant for the next three
It was announced in 2020 that career enlisted aviators years and will maintain her basic qualification, making
may now perform duties outside of their flying squadron the transition back into her career field much easier.
in a first sergeant role and still be eligible to maintain “One of the reasons I wanted to do this was to bring the Top Dogg BarBecue
their flight hours and other training required as a flyer. flying perspective to this position, to be able to say ‘hey I’ve The new generation of Texas
“One of the biggest fears hindering Airmen from seek- been there and I’m continuing to be there’ to have empathy Style Barbecue in Las Vegas.
ing special duties was that if they were gone too long they Air Force photograph for their situation as a fellow flyer and so far I have been
would lose valuable qualifications,” said Chief Master Sgt. Master Sgt. Brittany, 91st Attack Squadron first sergeant, able to do that and look forward to the future,” she said. Let’s Join Forces
Travon W. Dennis, Headquarters Air Force Reserve Com- stands in front of MQ-9 Reaper, Jan. 22, at Creech Air Force Since the conversation in January 2020 until present Ribs • Chicken • Brisket
mand, command first sergeant. “That shouldn’t be the case Base, Nev. Brittany is one of the first enlisted aviators who date there have been 12 flyers who have taken the step out Hotlinks • Pulled Pork
in any AFSC, we’re giving those folks an opportunity to have taken the step outside her career field to become a of their career fields, while keeping their qualifications Together, we’ll help you save more and earn more—
temporarily leave the career field to gain experience and first sergeant, while still maintaining her flight hours and during their time away. (702) 331-0439
knowledge.” required qualifications. “This is a return on investment for the Air Force,” $361¹ more. (That’s what our members earn and save
Like many enlisted aviators, Brittany said that while said Dennis. “We’re giving those folks an opportunity to 4955 E Craig Rd., #3 Las Vegas, NV
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she had been interested in becoming a first sergeant, she career field when you’re non-qualified is so difficult,” temporarily leave the career field to gain experience and on average just by banking with us.)
didn’t want to leave the flying community and go non- said Brittany. knowledge.”
current on her qualifications. However, seeing the updated policy, she immediately Editor’s note: Last names have been removed from pub- You’ll get:
“I feel like not many enlisted aviators want to leave spoke with her leadership, who were able to make her lication in this story in accordance with 432nd Wing/432nd
the flying world, because trying to break back into the retraining happen, even in the midst of a pandemic. Air Expeditionary Wing policy. dividend-earning checking account options free
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