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The Joint Professional Development Seminar was conducted July 18 at the Hercules Theater. The event brought together Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors to help renew service members’ commitment to the military force and to motivate service members to have the courage to continue to be the heroes of the nation.
“It’s important that we renew our commitment to the profession of arms,” said Master Sgt. Karen Atiles, Kisling NCO Academy, superintendent of leadership division. “It means a lot to me and to a lot of other service members that we do so. The Department of Defense protects our freedom in the United States.”
There were more than 200 people who signed up to attend the annual seminar at the Hercules Theater. The event hosted nine guest speakers who told stories of their service experiences and moments that drove them to advance and continue their careers in the service.
“We need to get back to the why,” Atiles said. “Why did we join and why do we continue to serve? Is it for our name, our families or is it to honor the fallen Soldiers who protected our freedom?”
Briefers from the seminar also mentioned warfighters from the past who would only serve the minimal amount of years compared to the dedication shown by the services of the current generation.
“We’ve grown as a nation and as a military,” said Navy Command Chief Master Sgt. Ron Nayda, senior enlisted leader. “We’re growing, but we are only still just a fraction of our current fighting forces truly bleeding red, white and blue.”
The U.S. military consist of heroes who bravely serve and who are the physical human force to defend the territorial integrity and the protected domain to make people and property of a kingdom, state or a nation secure from external invasion.
These heroes are committed to a life of service and protection to not only the KMC or our nation, but to the world, and this seminar reminded the joint forces of just that.
“These seminars help us grow and learn from one another. Without them, the single percent that we stand for in the world could be reduced to none,” Nayda said.
This seminar was targeted at all ranks and ages in all branches of service.
“It was good for us as young Airmen to have some insight on these matters. The joint PDS was a beneficial event for not only myself but for all those who attended,” said Airman 1st Class Jordan Castelan, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs photojournalist. “I’m definitely more devoted and motivated to pursue a longer term career after an event like that.”
