JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. -- Called by many names - Diamond, Shirt, First Shirt - a first sergeant has many roles in their unit. They advise commanders on Airmen and families' readiness, health, morale, welfare and quality of life to ensure a mission-ready force. But their primary mission? Taking care of Airmen.
The 192nd Wing's first sergeants strive to meet all needs of Airmen during professional and personal crises. Through the 192nd Wing First Sergeants’ Council, the Shirts have been able to donate to Airmen in need of plane tickets to be with family during a sudden loss, donate gift cards to assist with food and gas in times of need for extraneous circumstances, and much more. The first sergeants selflessly give their time and monetary resources to support Airmen within the 192nd Wing, Virginia Air National Guard.
An event recently hosted by the 192nd Wing First Sergeants’ Council, the inaugural Diamond Classic golf tournament, is one of many examples that showcase the first sergeants’ dedication to their Airmen.
Held on May 3, 2024, at Eaglewood Golf Course at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia, the event was led by Master Sgt. Ron Kavanaugh, 203rd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers (RED HORSE) first sergeant, along with the efforts of all 192nd Wing first sergeants and additional duty first sergeants. With approximately four months of planning, the first sergeants utilized ingenuity and pooled resources together in what turned out to be a very successful event with over 14 local sponsors in support.
“Not only did [the golf tournament] show the core strength of our first sergeants in the wing, but it also helps others appreciate what is being done to help our own,” said Senior Master Sgt. Eli Lozano, 192nd Wing first sergeant.
With 17 teams registered, consisting of leaders of the highest rank to the most junior Airmen, the event garnered substantial resources in support of all Airmen across the wing for assistance in times of need.
For the Diamond Classic participants, there were approximately 30 raffle prizes, including a round of golf for four, a big screen TV, a smoker grill and more.
The council presented four trophies recognizing various teams and individuals in the categories of a four-person champion team, closest to the pin, longest drive and a gag prize for last place.
“The 192nd Wing first sergeants are some of the hardest working and selfless professionals I have ever had the privilege of working with,” exclaimed Lozano. “They make me proud to wear the uniform and call them my wingmen and friends!”
When Airmen need someone to talk to, mentorship, assistance in times of need and more, they can count on their Shirt! The 192nd Wing First Sergeants’ Council helps bridge the gap for Airmen and others at JBLE, from leadership to helping agencies, connecting them to the right resources and guiding them through their careers. The organization is committed to empowering Airmen, enabling them to reach their full potential and perform at their best when needed most.