KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Members of the 81st Force Support Squadron hosted the grand reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the Professional Development Center May 17, 2017 here.
The ceremony began with a brief history of the building and the heritage of each room given by Senior Master Sgt. Tiffany Patterson, 81st Training Wing career assistance advisor and PDC renovations committee lead. Col. Michele Edmondson, 81st TRW commander, provided brief remarks, followed by a ribbon cutting, celebrating the reopening of the building.
“There is history and purpose that we’ve accomplished as a base and we wanted this building to exude a sense of community and pride,” expressed Patterson. “Each room was creatively designed to make sure it emphasizes Keesler’s history and mission, which is important because you have to know where you came from to know where you are going.”
Keesler’s main mission is to train and develop young men and women to benefit the nation and the Air Force.
“This building creates an environment that inspires our newest and youngest Airmen on this base and shows them who we are,” said Edmondson. “I hope that this building speaks to you the way this building speaks to me. It is professional and represents who we are as team Keesler and the community that surrounds this base.”
Total Force Integration is important throughout the Air Force and not only does the new facility bring a sense of pride and community to the base; the new PDC offers developmental opportunities and various courses that fit the needs of anyone; officer, enlisted, civilian, or reservist.
“It is important we grow together,” said Patterson. “This will provide our civilian employees the same opportunities to grow in their career as the Airmen.”
The PDC provides courses and avenues to give back to the community with having various tools and resources to help individuals become better leaders, managers, supervisors and just all around better Airman.
“The impression left on everyone that steps foot in this facility will be the commitment we [Keesler] have toward professional development and leadership,” expressed Edmondson. “I’m so proud of this new facility and to see the vision you translated into reality.”