616th OC Airmen empower each other Published Feb. 27, 2023 By Courtesy of 616th OC 616th Operations Center JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas – An Airman at the 616th Operations Center empowered his fellow service members by organizing a professional development seminar for his unit. TSgt Nicholas Chung recognized the need for further education and growth within his unit, and with the support and encouragement of SMSgt Quan Holmes, he took action to make it happen. The "Empower ME for 2023" professional development seminar brought together an elite group of guest speakers to share their knowledge and expertise with the unit. The seminar featured: retired Maj. Gen. Roger Burg, former commander of 20th Air Force and President of O'Malley Burg Consulting, LLC.; CMSgt Sam Caballero, individual mobilization augmentee to the Chief of Professional Development Center; Dr. Chaunté Hall, chief executive officer of Centurion Military Alliance; Dr. John Huggins, chief technology officer of National Security Collaboration Center; and Shawn Cressman, vice president of membership for the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Alamo Chapter. These speakers provided valuable insight and inspiration for the Airmen, sharing their experiences and knowledge on a wide range of topics like leadership, emotional intelligence, and cyber and tech outreach to national and local innovation ecosystems. But the seminar was not only about the guest speakers. TSgt Chung was able to secure the use of the all-new Boeing Center at Tech Port, which provided a state-of-the-art setting for the seminar. The Boeing Center at Tech Port is a premier facility, equipped with the latest technology and amenities. TSgt Chung had a clear vision for the event and was able to rally support from his superiors and peers. He secured funding and resources through the local AFCEA Alamo Chapter to bring in the high-profile guest speakers and secured the venue, spending countless hours planning and coordinating the logistics of the event. The seminar was a huge success and was well-attended by 150 active duty members of the unit. The guest speakers received rave reviews and many Airmen stated that they found the seminar to be both informative and empowering. The professional development seminar was not only beneficial for the airmen in attendance but also for the unit as a whole. It provided a valuable opportunity for education and growth, and it helped to foster a sense of community and camaraderie within the unit. The innovative partnership with the AFCEA Alamo Chapter has set a new standard, serving as a model for other units to tap into the wealth of resources and expertise offered by the organization. TSgt Chung's efforts serve as an inspiration for all service members to take initiative and empower themselves and their peers. His hard work and dedication have positively impacted his unit and the Air Force as a whole and will continue to do so in the future.