b'Chief Master Sgt. Mike Perry, Air Force First Sergeant special duty manager, poses for a photo with Dover first sergeants Jan. 8, 2021, at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. A first sergeant helps provide a commander with a mission-ready enlisted force and prepares enlisted personnel for deployments by advising on topics such as Airmens health, esprit de corps, discipline, well-being, career progression and professional development. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stephani Barge).First Sergeant continued from page 25 Specifically, first sergeants communicate with The first sergeant principally leads outside theunit leadership, supervisors and members to operational chain of command. As such, firstensure equity is maintained and morale, welfare sergeants are mindful they seldom are the and health needs for the force are met.ranking senior noncommissioned officer (SNCO)The first sergeant is not a replacement for the in the unit, and balance communication with thechain of command. The first sergeant ensures organizations leaders while taking the lead inunit leadership, to include superintendentsestablishing effective communication with and supervisors, are actively engaged in the all members.interaction, support and management of Airmen and their families through inclusive involvement and communication. ProfessionalismFirst sergeants epitomize the highest qualities of Air Force SNCOs. These qualities require the first sergeant to always remain perceptive, credible and to exemplify the core values of the United States Air Force. First sergeants are proactive in theperformance of their duties, demonstratinginitiative, innovation and character. First sergeants maintain professionalrelationships with all members of the unit and avoid any perceived favoritism to an Senior Master Sgt. Andrea Jordan, 436th Contracting Squadron superintendent, hands Airman 1st Class Samantha Sanders, 436th Maintenance Group aerospace ground equipmentindividual or portion of a unit to include journeyman, a gift card Dec. 18, 2020, at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. On Dec. 11 and 18, the First Sergeant Council handed out $1,000 worth of gift cards to randomly selectedboth military and civilian members asAirmen. The giveaway was part of Operation Warm Heart, a nonprofit organization dedicated tooutlined in AFI 36-2909, Professional andproviding financial relief, morale building, and quality of life enhancements to Airmen on Dover AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cydney Lee) Unprofessional Relationships. 26 Military Appreciation Resource Magazine Thank You For Your Service'