MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- In the constantly changing Air Force, it is imperative that you seek out mentors. People you can learn from and receive career guidance from.

Each quarter, the Misawa's Focus 5/6 organization awards one junior enlisted Airman an opportunity to be mentored, with a program they established to allow Airmen the chance to shadow the Command chief for three consecutive days.

When I found out about this new program, the only thing running through my mind was "This is my chance, my opportunity."

I was definitely more than interested in a one-on-one mentorship from our very own Misawa Air Base Command Chief Master Sgt. Russell Hastings, I was insanely ecstatic.

As I said before, we all need good mentors to advance in our Air Force career. Who better to be my mentor than Misawa Fighter Wing's top enlisted member?

I didn't waste time applying for the program, and believe it or not the application process isn't that hard.

Individuals interested in this awesome growth opportunity are asked to simply complete a short application form, which will need to be endorsed by your supervisor, and include a one page personal letter to the Misawa Focus 5/6 organization about what your motivation for being in the mentorship program is and how it would benefit your career and that of your unit's.

If you are a committed 'lifer' like me, then the answers aren't difficult to come up with.

When I was informed I had won the opportunity at shadowing Chief Hastings Oct. 26-28, I was beyond thrilled.

It wasn't until I started shadowing Chief Hastings that I realized what an eye-opener this experience really is.

By following him around for three days of meeting, briefings, an award ceremony and an Airman Leadership School graduation; I was able to witness the kind of respect a man of such ranking receives and the weight his words carry. It was extraordinarily humbling.

The meetings were also a great "peek under the tent" to how the wing communicates and operates.

But, probably the most exhilarating opportunity would be when I sat in as the acting command chief during the monthly Commander's Open Line radio show on the American Forces Network-Misawa.

I believe this is an awesome opportunity for any junior enlisted member planning on making a career of the Air Force and I can honestly say that I am honored to be the inaugural selectee to the program.

If anyone is interested in applying for this amazing opportunity, you can visit the MISAWA FOCUS 5/6 sharepoint site for program dates, official application, guidelines and deadlines.

Thank you Focus 5/6 and Chief Hastings for everything you've done for me.