An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Due to the government shutdown, this website is not being updated.

Workforce topics discussed at AFDW/CC Calls

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chyenne A. Adams
  • Public Affairs
Air Force District of Washington --  Maj. Gen. Darren McDew gathered all Air Force District of Washington personnel together for commander's call sessions at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and Joint Base Andrews Feb. 3 and 4, respectively.

Each commander's call began with hails and farewells to incoming and outgoing AFDW members; then recognitions to outstanding performers that have received awards or honors recently.

Several AFDW organizations then briefed on current relevant topics affecting the command, including civilian pay freezes, the upcoming Compliance Inspection, geotagging, Unit Climate Assessments and the Air Force Assistance Fund.

Sheila Releford, A1 human resource advisor, briefed on the Federal Pay Freeze and which AFDW employees it affects.

Maj. Eric Mottice, inspector general office, then briefed that the Unit Compliance Inspection is now being called the Compliance Inspection. The CI was the biggest topic during the commander's call, with the major briefing the preparation schedule for the command.

February is command-wide training month, with many cross-functional self inspections going on. March will see inspectors from other commands visiting AFDW organizations to give another level of inspection. There will also be more safety and clean-up days scheduled.

The June 4-14 inspection will bring 120 inspectors to AFDW facilities for the first time since 2007 - when AFDW wasn't fully set up yet. Electronic records management, training, safety, and dress and appearance are all hot topics for the inspectors, according to Major Mottice. "Enforcement of uniform standards is everyone's responsibility" .

General McDew emphasized the importance of the inspection with his own comments, encouraging everyone to not just be ready to pass, but to "blow the doors off" the inspection by leaning forward and being prepared to show off excellent programs to the inspectors.

Capt. Dustin Nowak, 744th Communications Squadron, also briefed the crowds on geotagging and how unintentionally revealing this imbedded meta-data information can affect operational and personal security. He spoke about the steps users can take to protect themselves - including turning off 'location services' on smart phones and understanding the security settings for whatever program you might be using to share photos, information and more. "GPS phone carriers assume possible risk and reward."

Janice Jackson, AFDW equal opportunity manager, briefed on the Unit Climate Assessment that General McDew requested for AFDW. The survey is available through Feb. 18 and assists commanders at all levels in assessing the human relations climate in their area of responsibility. The usual participation rate of 56 percent was called "pitiful" by the general, and he highly encouraged every single AFDW member to speak up and say something - good, bad, or indifferent. He pledged to answer any concerns broached and stand by any individual bringing them up. This survey is open to everyone assigned to AFDW, so any individuals who have not received an e-mail invitation to the survey needs to contact their commander for the access code.

The commander also encouraged people to complete the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Community Assessment Survey that is being offered during the same time frame. According to the AFDW/CC, the results of this survey will inform senior leaders and influence policy and programs that support service members, civilian employees and families. This survey is by invitation only, and every member is asked to participate if they receive an e-mail invitation code.

Maj. Ty Christian, this year's AFDW representative for the Air Force Assistance Fund campaign, was the last briefer of the day and motivated the audience with a rendition of the classic song "We are the world." The program's goal is raising funds for the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village, Air Force Village, and Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. The campaign runs March 14 - April 22 and could still use "passionate" key workers and campaign staff, for anyone interested in volunteering.
General McDew closed the calls with his signature "thank you's" to everyone.

"Let me end with a 'thank you'," said the general. "We have a lot of work ahead of us and I'm going to be there to challenge you, support you, and thank you."