MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- As Airmen, we are constantly reminded to always have a plan for every situation. But, what about those things that can’t be planned for, such as family emergencies?
Believe it or not, it is still possible to have a plan. If you utilize and communicate with your leadership. For Staff Sgt. Mohindra Lauchman, an occupational safety journeyman with the 6th Air Mobility Wing, this proved to be true.
“On December 11, 2017, I was notified by family that my grandfather had severe heart issues and was taken to the Emergency Room in Queens, New York,” said Lauchman. “He had flat lined twice within two days and a few days later, experienced kidney failure.”
According to Lauchman, after back and forth discussions on whether or not his grandfather’s health would improve, Lauchman and his wife agreed that it would be best to go visit him.
“With the support of the Safety Office, I submitted for emergency leave,” added Lauchman. “My supervisor, Tech. Sgt. Jeffries, contacted our first sergeant to notify him of the situation and almost without hesitation, I was in his office discussing my situation.
“The first sergeant explained options to me that were available for emergency situations like mine and mentioned that he already reached out to various agencies to help.”
Lauchman’s leave approval was expedited all the way to his commander and approved instantly.
“The Safety Office did everything they could to get me on my way so I could go home and begin packing,” said Lauchman.
But, as he was packing, something impactful happened.
“While packing, I received a call from the shirt and Tech. Sgt. Jeffries with great news,” said Lauchman. “The first sergeant, along with other first sergeants, came together to fund my ticket to New York to see my grandfather.
“Tech. Sgt. Jeffries went out of his way to hand deliver the check to me as I was packing my vehicle and I was able to fly out the following morning.”
Master Sgt. Christopher Sheppard, 6th Comptroller Squadron First Sergeant, added, “Kudos to Tech. Sgt. Jeffries for a job well done for being a good supervisor and being engaged with his Airman.”
For Sheppard, all Airmen at any level need to feel comfortable reaching out for help and utilizing their first sergeants and commanders.
“We are here to serve you so that each of you are cared for operationally, physically, spiritually, and mentally, in order to execute the greater mission,” said Sheppard. “I also ask supervisors to stay engaged with their Airmen because if we do these four things for our Airmen, this institution will continue to be the dominant Air Force, now and into the future.”
For leadership, it is critical to be engaged with your Airmen. For Airmen, don’t be afraid to ask for help and reach out to your leadership.
“As leaders and Wingmen, we have one job and that is to take care of Airmen,” said Sheppard. “Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help.”
Emergencies can be stressful enough, you don’t have to go through it alone.