New career assistance advisor ready to make impact Published Dec. 9, 2008 By the 4th Force Support Squadron 4th Force Support Squadron SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, NC. -- The 4th Fighter Wing's new career assistance advisor feels right at home here at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Master Sgt. Tonya Darner takes on a significant role in enlisted development and career awareness regarding entitlements, benefits, retraining and other enlisted career opportunities. "Throughout my Air Force career I've learned the value and importance of gathering all of the facts prior to making any career decision," Sergeant Darner said. "It wasn't always easy finding the information and all too often I would find out after the decision was made." She said she is committed to giving back to the Air Force community. "I know that I can make a difference," said Sergeant Darner. "When this position became available, I had to apply. This position gives me the chance to get outside of my office, meet people all around Seymour Johnson, and have a positive impact on our most valuable resource, the Airmen." The Informed Decision Briefing is one tool Sergeant Darner uses to have a positive impact on Airmen. The monthly briefing targets first- and second-term Airmen who are six to 15 months from their date of separation. At the briefing, Airmen receive information and advice to help them make an informed career decision. In addition to assisting enlisted personnel in making informed decisions, Sergeant Darner organizes three professional enhancement seminars for airmen, noncommissioned officers, and senior NCOs. The Airman Professional Enhancement Seminar is a 3-day course that targets airmen first class who have served for at least 18 months and senior airmen who are not scheduled to attend Airman Leadership School. The monthly seminar is taught by NCOs of the Group 56 professional organization here and provides professional education and training tools for Airmen to use throughout their careers. "The goal is to assist all Airmen in becoming better leaders, followers, and most of all, Airmen," she said. The NCO Professional Enhancement Seminar is a 5-day course that focuses on leadership and supervisory skills for staff sergeants and technical sergeants. The monthly seminar, which is taught by members of Seymour Johnson's Top-3 professional organization, covers leadership, management and development. The course also covers suicide intervention training through hands-on practice that helps supervisors become ready, willing and able to recognize and perform suicide first-aid interventions, she said. "The objective of the NCO professional enhancement seminar is to fill the gap between Airman Leadership School and the NCO Academy," Sergeant Darner said. The Senior NCO professional enhancement seminar is structured to accentuate leadership and managerial skills while setting a foundation for career progression in the senior enlisted tier for newly-selected master sergeants. Subject matter experts speak on relevant issues like ethics, core values, mentoring and enlisted development. In addition, the seminar includes a first sergeant's panel and leads a discussion on what it means to be a senior NCO. For more information regarding entitlements, benefits, career opportunities or professional enhancement seminars, call 919-722-5857.