FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
The NORTHCOM command senior enlisted leader visited Joint Task Force Civil Support recently to tour Mullan Hall and view unit operations here.
Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Paul G. McKenna is assigned to North American Aerospace Command and U.S. Northern Command, Peterson AFB, Colo. Hosted by the JTF-CS commanding general and senior enlisted leader, McKenna was briefed by enlisted members from all directorates.
During the visit to the unit, Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. James Brown focused the event on information delivered by the unit’s enlisted force.
“The Commanding General and I were honored to host Sgt Maj McKenna,” Brown said. “It was amazing to watch our enlisted members brief the NORTHCOM CSEL on our mission and to tell the JTF-CS story. Our enlisted members represented JTF-CS superbly and showcased the command in a positive light.”
Several of the briefers discussed how impressed they were with the opportunity to be face-to-face with the sergeant major.
“The briefing gave me the opportunity to show what enlisted members are capable of,” said Army Staff Sgt. NiTassah Ward, who works as a human resource NCO. “So many events are led by officers and in this one Sgt. Maj McKenna allowed us to demonstrate our great interaction and to voice all of our concerns. That let me know that he was actively listening with ears, mind, and heart.”
Navy Chief Petty Officer Benjamin Allen, Operations Directorate lead chief petty officer, said, “Sgt. Maj. McKenna was very receptive to all of the briefers and had a myriad of questions about how the information related to the mission. He hosted a luncheon and sought out stories on every person in attendance. He even completed command PT with us, showing that his heart and mind are truly poised toward his fellow enlisted service members across all branches.”
Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Angelica Mathis, deployed communications leading petty officer, enjoyed the opportunity after overcoming some initial reservations. “I was nervous at the beginning because I have never had to brief such a high-ranking person before,” she said. “He helped build up my confidence for briefing and presenting in the future when he said that we all did a great job briefing operations for our respective directorates.”
“By giving the brief, I learned more about key components of my directorate,” said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Andray Newkirk, logistics specialist. “With all directorates giving briefs, I also learned about and feel more comfortable with the Command mission as a whole.”
JTF-CS provides command and control for designated Department of Defense specialized response forces to assist local, state, federal and tribal partners in saving lives, preventing further injury, and providing critical support to enable community recovery.