TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – The 507th Air Refueling Wing recently hosted a two-day seminar titled “ELEVATE! A Professional Development Seminar” aimed at improving the skills and knowledge of its Soldiers.

This dynamic event included a variety of breakout sessions, expert panels and inspiring discussions.

“Professional development is our competitive advantage,” said Chief Master Sgt. Darren Wiseman, 507th Air Refueling Wing command chief. “The 507th ARW values ​​critical thinking, open-mindedness and strategic engagement. We believe professional development helps foster this in our Airmen.”

The seminar included several breakout sessions, all aimed at strengthening pilots’ skills. Participants explored personality types, communication styles and teamwork dynamics. Strategies for clear, effective communication were discussed, along with insights into training opportunities for reserve members. Fostering diverse perspectives and empathy were key themes, as were practical advice on career advancement and financial planning.

“We wanted to make sure we weren’t teaching a lot of the same information,” said Master Sgt. Jennifer Spear, event organizer from the 507th Force Support Squadron. “We wanted diversity, and we know education is something members always have questions about.
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The seminar included a joint force panel with panel members Master Chief Master-at-Arms Sarah Davis of Strategic Communications Wing 1, Chief Master Sgt. Robert Harding of the 513th Air Control Group, Master Warrant Officer Remi Dionne of the Canadian Detachment of the 552nd Air Control Wing and Neil Lambrecht of the 507th Maintenance Group. These
The leaders exchanged experiences, discussed challenges and emphasized the importance of working together.

“I wanted to make sure we didn’t just have four members of the Air Force Reserve,” Spear said. “I wanted to have a perspective from different branches of the military, as well as retirees and civilians. I think the four of them together provided a bigger picture with all of their different perspectives, guidance and mentorship.”

Chief Master Sgt. Kelly Kruger of the Air Force Reserve Command’s Professional Development Center delivered an inspiring keynote address. Her insights into the beauty and brutality of growth underscored the seminar theme of “continuous growth and excellence.”

“From the birth of the ideas on a white board to the final words of our keynote speaker, many Soldiers were impressed,” said Wiseman. “I am very impressed with Master Sgt. Spear and her ability to take an idea, embed her passion for the Soldiers into it, and coordinate with multiple agencies to produce such a first-class event.”