A day in the life of a colonel

  • Published
  • By Airman Sondra M. Wieseler
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  A mentor is defined as an influential senior, teacher, or wise and trusted counselor.

To most, that would mean a chaplain, a doctor, or maybe an officer. Few would believe that Airmen, in such large numbers and with so few stripes, could be considered a mentor as well, but the 49th Mission Support Group has a program to make even the least-ranking Airman feel like a full-bird Colonel.

It's called the Shadow Mentorship Program.

The program is a one-on-one program that offers one individual a week an opportunity to shadow the 49 MSG Commander, Colonel Mark Engeman, for a day, and gives the colonel the opportunity to view his shadow's workplace as well.

"It is mentorship for both the shadow and the commander," said Stephanie Perry, 49 MSG commander's secretary. "The shadow attains the strategic view of processes within the Group, where the Group commander attains the tactical view within the specific squadrons."

The six squadrons of the 49 MSG take turns choosing one Airman, E-4 and below, one officer, 0-3 and below, or one civilian to participate in the program.

But not just anyone gets chosen.

Each week, the squadron commander and superintendent choose a sharp individual that stands out amongst their peers, and would get the most out of the experience, and send them on their way to spend the day with the colonel.

"I was proud to get chosen to go," said Airman Donald Kukuk, 49th Force Support Squadron, who recently shadowed the colonel. "I was intimidated at first knowing that I would be with a colonel the whole day watching my every move, but he was actually a nice guy."

Every Tuesday, the shadow meets with Colonel Engeman bright and early to discuss the day's events and introduce himself to the Mission Support Group's leadership at a staff meeting. Later, the shadow, the MSG superintendent and the colonel have lunch together, a perfect opportunity for discussion.

"Colonel Engeman and the superintendent welcome the shadow and create a relaxed atmosphere which allows the shadow to be open and give honest feedback and ask quality questions," said Ms. Perry.

"After being with him all morning, by lunch I felt like I could open up to him," said Airman Kukuk. 

The shadow attends all meetings with Colonel Engeman and towards the end of the day, they visit the shadow's workplace to let him see first-hand exactly what the shadow's job entails. This gives the colonel a chance to learn something new about a different squadron, a different shop, and a different individual each week.

At around 4 p.m. the shadow is presented with a certificate and gets his picture taken with the colonel. The photos get hung in the 49 MSG hallway for all to see.

"It was a good experience," said Airman Kukuk. "Not everyone gets to do it and I'm glad I did."

The Shadow Mentorship program began with the previous commander of the 49 MSG and because of its success, doesn't seem to be going anywhere any time soon.

"This program should continue because the outcome of the experience benefits all parties in personal growth, career development and goal achievement." said Ms. Perry.