AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy-- -- AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy –
Chief Master Sgt. Phillip Easton, U.S. European Command senior enlisted leader, visited Aviano Air Base, Italy, May 12-13, 2021. Easton briefed Airmen from the 31st Fighter Wing on command priorities and provided leadership guidance.
As the senior enlisted leader of EUCOM, he was able to provide a perspective on the current state of affairs for enlisted service members serving in Europe explaining EUCOM’s command structure, priorities and partnerships while passing along leadership philosophies he gained from his 30 years of leadership.
During his visit, Easton visited multiple locations to get an inside-look at what the 31st FW’s operations. These locations included the Tech. Sgt. Adam K. Ginett Airman Leadership School (ALS) auditorium, a bomb build with the 31st Maintenance Group (MXG), and the 56th Rescue Squadron for a leadership brief with first sergeants.
Chief focused on professionally developing Airmen from all tiers. He gave two separate speeches to both first sergeants and ALS students, sharing his leadership philosophy and relevant experiences.
While at ALS, Easton spoke about how front-line supervisors at Aviano impact the mission, vision and priorities. He set expectations for students he briefed to implement the supervisory skills they have learned as they prepare for increased responsibilities. Easton emphasized leadership skills such as remaining humble, approachable and credible.
“He spoke about leadership and viewing it from a nurturing perspective, which is really important,” said U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. Brandon Setorie, 510th Aircraft Maintenance Unit aerospace propulsion technician. “I have two troops right now and I feel like I want to do that for them, to help make sure that they get the most out of their time in the Air Force. I feel like that's one thing I definitely wanted to take away from him.”
During his visit with the first sergeants, Easton spoke about his philosophies in leadership, and said there should be no difference in leadership styles with Airmen and our own children because they both need to be led with accountability, communication and approachability in order to guide them effectively.
“First sergeants play an imperative role in the leadership triad and unit cohesion,” said Tech. Sgt. Thomas Roy, 31st MXG scheduling non-commissioned officer in charge. “The chief gave an outlook on what attributes need to be cultivated in order to successfully navigate the demands of the position. He highlighted aspects like trust, character, and team building as characteristics first sergeants should focus on.”
Easton was able to view some of the 31st MXG’s practical projects with a more hands-on approach to their mission.
“We were able to immerse Chief Easton in our mission with a bomb build,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kyle Vaughn, 31st Munitions Squadron conventional munitions technician. “I got to know more of his leadership qualities and expertise, and I think it always starts from the top down. He brings excellent experience.”
After the bomb build, Easton spoke with 31st MXG Airmen involved with the “Airmen 4 Life” program, and had the opportunity to share how the program impacted their life.
“This experience was meaningful because it shows our senior leadership is taking an interest in the personal development and the quality of life of enlisted personnel here,” said Airman 1st Class Chelsea Vickers, 31st Maintenance Squadron crew chief.
During his visit, Easton was able to connect with Airmen living in the dormitories.
“His visit was to meet and engage with our young Airmen, many of which are in the dorms because they are unaccompanied and are typically at their first duty station,” said Tech. Sgt. Karina Sedayen, 31 Civil Engineer Squadron airmen dorm leader.
Easton had lunch with 12 Airmen to promote professional development, answer questions, and understand the Airmen’s needs.
“Chief Easton explained developing and supporting the Commanders intent, vison and priorities,” said Tech. Sgt. Thomas Roy, 31st MXG scheduling non-commissioned officer in charge. “He also covered how to establish and enforce standards of readiness, training, morale, welfare and discipline for the organization.”