Diamond sharp from top to bottom Published May 30, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Trevor T. McBride 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- When an Airman needs help, whether it's personal challenges, counseling or guidance, they rely on the senior NCOs who have diamonds within their rank. Master Sgt. Sadie Chambers, 48th Fighter Wing Staff Agencies first sergeant, is one of these diamond-sharp individuals. Performing her original duties as a chaplain's assistant, the Texas native and military child has had the opportunity to live in Florida, Arizona and the U.K. throughout her career. As a chaplain's assistant, caring for people is one trait that compliments Chambers' role as a first sergeant. "I had the opportunity to try it out, and I really enjoyed it," Chambers said. So, what is a first sergeant? According to Air Force Instruction 36-2618, The Enlisted Force Structure, a first sergeant, also commonly known and referred to as a first shirt, is a special position that acts as a dedicated focal point for all readiness, health, morale, welfare and quality-of-life issues within an organization. "[In other words], a first sergeant is an advocate for the enlisted Airmen who models and enforces standards and discipline," Chambers said. The enlisted force structure specifically states it's a first sergeant's duty to ensure the enlisted force has support agencies available for their needs, as well as make sure Airmen understand the commander's polices, goals and objectives. "A crisis or disciplinary action is not the first time anyone should meet their first sergeant. A relationship should form prior to anything," Chambers added. To collaborate and share resources, all 48th FW first sergeants serve in the First Sergeants' Council. According to Senior Master Sgt. Stephen Ash, the council's vice president, the objective of the council is to guide the future for the enlisted force. They meet weekly with the installation's senior enlisted leader, the command chief, about mission impacts or any issues present at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. The council was recently selected as the best in U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa for 2013. "The first sergeants and additional duty first sergeants that we have on the council are innovative and do things outside the box that augment and support the installation," Ash said. Each year the council changes officers of the council, implementing different goals and ways to reach their objectives. "This brings fresh ideas and leadership opportunities," Ash said. "Going forward, the council plans to continue to build relationships with the Airmen by doing events and other random acts of kindness." Ash gave words of advice for Airmen who see a visit to the first sergeant's office as always negative. "Airmen should understand that if you come to us before we have to come to you, then there are a lot more options for the situation," he said. With the variety of situations that occur, there can be difficult challenges to deal with as a first sergeant. "My biggest challenge is finding a balance," Chambers stated. "I am the superintendent as well as the first sergeant, and I struggle because I genuinely care for both roles and know that when someone is in trouble, they need my undivided attention and support." Despite the challenges that accompany the duties as a first sergeant, it can also be rewarding. "I am humbled by the opportunity to serve and learn about our Airmen's stories and struggles and getting to be the help for solving problems and putting careers back on the right track," Chambers said. "Our first sergeant's council is second to none, and I am honored to serve alongside my fellow shirts."