Storytellers at Peterson

Published Sept. 4, 2013
By Michael Golembesky
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Every Airman has a story, but in the shuffle and stresses of everyday life, many are simply lost or forgotten, which is why the Storytellers project was started.

Storytellers began in July 2012 at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, by Master Sgt. Lee Hoover, Incirlik American Forces Network station manager, and Tech. Sgt. Kitsana Dounglomchan, 39th Force Support Squadron Airman Leadership School instructor.

So how did Storytellers make it from Turkey to Peterson?

"It really struck a chord with me ... I thought it would be very unique and something that we had never seen before at Peterson ... I really wanted to try it out," said Tech. Sgt. Kimberly McDougle, 561st Network Operations Squadron unit training manager and Storytellers event coordinator here.

Storytellers is designed to be a live event where fellow Airmen can share their amazing stories of resilience, motivation and professional pride in a relaxing environment that allows the audience to connect and learn.

"I watched Gen. Welsh speak to the cadets on YouTube -- every Airman has a story -- and to be a good leader, to truly care about your people, you have to know their stories," said McDougle. "There are so many amazing stories that have gone untold; this is a great opportunity to hear some of those stories from our fellow Airmen."

Storytellers is a learning experience for service members of all ranks with a emphasis on educating and mentoring younger Airmen.

"Especially for younger Airmen, it's not death by PowerPoint. It is gripping, you are there in person and they are going to tug at your heartstrings," said McDougle.

Peterson AFB is hosting its own Storytellers event from 8-10 a.m. Sept. 12 at The Club ballroom, building 1013, and will offer all attendees a complimentary breakfast and Starbucks coffee.

Senior Master Sgt. Alvey Brandon, 561st Network Operations Squadron, will narrate the event where those in attendances will hear uplifting and inspiring stories from the following Airmen:
· Capt. Mark Muller, 561st Network Operations Squadron
· Master Sgt. Benjamin Horton, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron
· Master Sgt. Walt McClung, 21st Force Support Squadron
· Master Sgt. Stephen Schexnayder, 561st Network Operations Squadron
· Staff Sgt. Cerrissa Witte, 21st Medical Operations Squadron
· Staff Sgt. Kyaw Min, 21st Aerospace Medicine Squadron
· Airman 1st Class Janee Tamayo, 21st Dental Squadron

Go to https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/anim.cfm?i=166582&k=0367440C7355 to reserve a seat for this event. For information about Storytellers, contact McDougle at 556-6769.