McConnell presents #theSUMof15

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Thornbury
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  A CEO, an entrepreneur, a business owner and a company president are among 15 guest speakers scheduled to speak here about success, beginning May 27 to September 2 as part of #theSUMof15 professional development series.

"[#theSumof15] is about creating better people," said Senior Master Sgt. David Smith, 22nd Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor. "Not necessarily better Airmen or officers, we want to create a better person. Someone who has passion, purpose, drive and desire."

Every week for 15 weeks, a new speaker will share with Team McConnell members what has made them successful, what has gotten them to the positions they hold and the places they've been.

"The community leaders are going to speak to our whole base populace, active duty, guard, reserve, dependents, spouses, civilians and contractors," said Staff Sgt. Brandon Tull, 22nd Medical Support Squadron NCO in charge of medical maintenance. "Whoever can break away during their lunch time, noon to 1 p.m. in the Robert J. Dole Community Center Ballroom are welcome to come."

Larry Hatteberg, KAKE TV anchor, with 51 years of experience in photo and reporting; Earnest Alexander, CEO of Youth Horizons; Dennis Schoenebeck, CEO of the Greater Wichita YMCA for the past 25 years; Brad Fuller, former field artillery officer in the U.S Army and current owner of a Chick-fil-a restaurant are a few of the speakers to participate in #theSUMof15.

Smith and Tull encourage those who attend to share what they have learned on social media using the "#theSUMof15," to spread the wealth of knowledge with those who are unable to participate.

"The ability to give all ranks the opportunity to listen about success so they can apply it to their life and to think that it changes something in their future is one of the biggest rewards in life," said Smith. "It's a neat opportunity to actually see growth happening and to give them opportunities."

For more information contact SMSgt. Smith at (316) 759-4676 or email at david.smith.108@us.af.mil to sign up.