Wing reboots career advisor program

Published Aug. 11, 2015
By Tech. Sgt. Michael Crane
139th Airlift Wing

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Twenty-six airmen here have been selected as unit career advisors, or UCAs, and held their first meeting Aug. 8, 2015 at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base.

UCA is an additional duty and the airmen work closely with the wing's retention office manager. That position is currently vacant, but is being filled temporarily by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Price, a recruiter assigned to the 139th Airlift Wing.

"We're starting this program from the ground up," said Price. "We are going to be preemptive in making sure our folks are happy."

The airmen will be responsible for disseminating information about benefits to their respective units as well as conducting retention interviews throughout a member's career. They will also brief commanders on retention trends within the unit.

"I highly support and encourage this program," said Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Hamlett, who is a first sergeant assigned to the wing's administrative staff. "If people are leaving this unit and choosing not to stay in, we want to know why."

"We take care of people," said Col. Ralph Schwader, commander of the 139th Airlift Wing. "This is one of the most important things we can do for our people."