Kadena G-6 Leadership Summit brings professional organizations together

Published March 20, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Patricia Feaster-Kimmerle
18th Wing Headquarters

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Professional organizations across Kadena attended the Kadena G-6 Leadership Summit at the Kadena Officers Club March 11.

Hosted by Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Colon-Lopez, 18th Wing command chief, the event brought together more than 30 members of Kadena's six enlisted organizations: Airmen Committed to Excellence, Team Kadena 5/6 Enlisted Club, Air Force Sergeants Association, Top III, First Sergeant's Council, and the Chief's Group.

The participants discussed some of the achievements and lessons learned in 2012 as well as how to improve upon future events.

"This was my first time attending the G-6 Leadership Summit, but I think it was a great opportunity to cross talk between the private organizations and strengthen committee relations," Colon-Lopez said. "The summit is important so each committee knows what is going on with the other private organizations on base. It is a way to keep everyone evolving and making each other better."

Senior Airman Cody M. Hyde, ACE president, attended the event.

"Everybody wants the same vision, which is to make Team Kadena a strong, powerful, but enjoyable place," Hyde said. "With all the private orgs continually trying to reach out and make a difference, this place has the potential to set the bar for all other bases and organizations to be the very best it can."

In order to bring a joint perspective to the group, Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin P. Nolan, U.S. Army Garrison Torii Station, also attended the summit to learn about each of the organizations.

Marketing events properly for their target audience and increasing organization participation efforts were some of the issues brought to the group's attention.

"People that participate with full involvement at some point are going to affect someone, either positive or negative. It requires more than just showing up at a meeting to impact lives and give back to the community," said Colon-Lopez. "There is more to be said about people who go the extra mile. Bottom line - Airmen need to be more involved."

In closing, the command chief offered some final comments to the group.

"I look forward to more time with the private organizations," the chief said. "I am here to help them and be a facilitator to remove any obstacles in their path."

This was the second semi-annual G-6 Leadership Summit. AFSA will host the next conference.