Senior leaders speak to Civilian Mentoring Council

  • Published
  • By Daisy Grant, Staff Writer
  • 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Members of the 72nd Air Base Wing got the chance to hear from senior leaders in a small group setting Aug. 24 at a Civilian Mentoring Council meeting.


The event, held at the Tinker Air Force Base Auditorium, featured Tony Baumann, director of contracting for the Air Force Sustainment Center, and Dennis D’Angelo, director of the 448th Supply Chain Management Wing.


Baumann and D’Angelo discussed their career paths and things they learned on the way to their current positions, then took questions from attendees.


D’Angelo encouraged attendees to take opportunities, even if they seem like bad jobs, and use them as a way to shine. He discussed a time he was told to plan a Christmas party, and people remembered him because of it.


“It takes a team of teams to make the whole Air Force work and you’re all part of that,” D’Angelo said.


“You never should judge your impact to the mission by your proximity to the fight. You don’t have to be right there in the middle of the fight to have a huge impact.”


Baumann emphasized the importance of continuing to learn and trying multiple jobs, as well as staying in a position long enough to gain experience. He said three years is a good amount of time to keep a position.


“You need to be in a job long enough to learn a lot from that job and make a contribution,” Baumann said.


They discussed the importance of having a mentor and learning from opportunities.


“Listen (and) keep your heart open for those folks who are helping you out,” D’Angelo said.


D’Angelo said he and Baumann want people to feel they can reach out for guidance and career advice.


“We didn’t get here on our own and we both know it. We’re here to help you go where you want to go, wherever that might be,” D’Angelo said.