Conwell named first sergeant of the year

Published May 20, 2015
By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Mota
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Not every gem sparkles the same, but one of Grissom's 'diamonds' sparkled the brightest in 2014.

Master Sgt. Wendi Conwell, 434th Aerospace Medicine Squadron first sergeant, was recently selected as 434th Air Refueling Wing's First Sergeant of the Year for 2014.

"I am so proud of her for winning this award; it is well deserved," said Col. Therese Kern, 434th AMDS commander. "Conwell is an exceptional person; she is well rounded and is a great role model for everyone."

The role of a first sergeant is unique in the Air Force. They serve as an important link between the commander, enlisted personnel and support agencies, while also ensuring that enlisted Airmen understand the commander's policies, goals and objectives.

"I want each member to know they are valued," said Conwell. "Each individual brings something unique to their units, and those individuals and the tools they bring to the table are what make Grissom special."

Conwell's dedication to her Airmen and their success was recently demonstrated when she used her skills as a certified personal trainer to help five Airmen improve their fit-to-fight scores. Those efforts resulted in four out of the five members passing their fitness tests.

"Physical fitness is so important and affects every part of your life," explained Conwell. "It can lead to success in many areas, and it plays a vital role in your military career. "I love people and helping them succeed by using a skill I have is one of the ways I give back to the Air Force," she added.

Giving back to the Air Force is a value Conwell says she takes pride in, and that pride was demonstrated when she orchestrated Grissom's first additional-duty first sergeant seminar providing training to 14 Airmen.

"Those Airmen will provide a valuable asset to the unit because they can become a back-up when the first sergeant is unavailable," said Conwell. "They also learn a lot of information that can be shared with other Airmen even when they are not filling in as a first sergeant."

Being in a job that lets her do the things she loves the most makes that job the best ever, she explained.

"Helping people; it's my passion for life," said Conwell. "As a first sergeant, I truly feel like I am serving.

"I've received great mentorship and guidance throughout my military career, and now I feel that I'm in a role to give back what I've gained throughout my Air Force career," concluded Conwell.

The 434th AMDS is part of the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, as well as three Army Reserve units. Airmen, Soldiers and Marines routinely deploy from Grissom around the world in support of the Department of Defense mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.

News Search

434th ARW 2014 First Sergeant of the Year

Conwell named first sergeant of the year

Public Affairs Staff