Hanscom leaders name newest first sergeant

  • Published
  • By Lauren Russell
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – 66th Air Base Group leaders recently announced Hanscom’s newest first sergeant select as a senior noncommissioned officer from Brockton, Massachusetts.  

Master Sgt. Sonia Teixeira, who currently serves as the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office Northeast senior enlisted leader, will join the 66th Air Base Group as first sergeant later this year.

“Like most other first sergeants, I truly have a passion for people,” said Teixeira. “I’ve been wanting to do this for a really long time.” 

Teixeira said that becoming a first sergeant has been a goal of hers throughout her career as a senior NCO after she was inspired by a first sergeant of her own.

Her opportunity finally came, and officials notified her of her selection just before the holidays.

“When I finally had the chance to apply, I knew I couldn’t pass it up,” she said.

First sergeants advise the commander on matters of enlisted morale, welfare and conduct, as well as assist Airmen with a variety of topics, including career counseling or emergencies. Identified by the diamond device worn on the center of their rank insignia, first sergeants, or "first shirts,” are on call 24/7.

“First sergeants are absolutely critical to our organizations,” said Chief Master Sgt. William Hebb, installation command chief. “Our team here works hard to take care of our Airmen and ensure our most critical assets, our civilians, enlisted and officers, are ready to accomplish the mission.”  

Teixeira will earn her diamond following completion of the U.S. Air Force First Sergeants Academy at Maxwell Air Force Base-Gunter Annex, Alabama, this summer, and said she is excited to join Hanscom’s team of first sergeants and begin serving civilians, enlisted, and officers.

“While I won’t always get it right, I want my Airmen to trust that I will always have the best intentions and want what’s best for them and their careers,” she said. “My door will always be open, and I’ll be here to see whatever they need all the way through.”

Airmen can apply to become first sergeants through the Developmental Special Duty program. The DSD program allows Airmen to apply for special duties such as recruiters, Military Training Instructors, and Airmen Leadership and technical school cadre. 

“If it’s your desire to do something outside of your career field, and you find yourself hovering over the ‘apply’ button, I say go for it,” said Teixeira.

For additional information on the DSD program, contact Master Sgt. Michael Kennedy, Hanscom’s career assistance advisor, at 781-225-5935 or by email at michael.kennedy.19@us.af.mil.