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MAGIC provides tools for Airmen

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lacey Roberts
  • 162nd Wing Public Affairs
TUCSON, Ariz. --  The Arizona Air National Guard's 162nd Wing located at Tucson International Airport held the 6th annual My Air Guard Incentive Career, or MAGIC event at Pima Community College West Campus Jan. 9-10.

"This year's goal was to provide Airmen with the tools they need to make informed career, personal and family readiness decisions," said event organizer Tech. Sgt. Eugene Sanders.

As a Unit Career Advisor, Sanders said it was apparent that new Airmen didn't know all the benefits of being a member of the Air National Guard, so he and his team developed MAGIC in 2010 for maintenance personnel.

In 2014 MAGIC expanded to first term Airmen and this year expanded further to include anyone new to the unit or interested in learning about the incentives, benefits and entitlements available to them.

"Our airmen and their families are provided information that will greatly benefit them during their military and professional careers," said Chief Master Sgt. Armando Gonzalez the 162nd Wing's senior enlisted advisor. "This event sets our Airmen on a positive course that will undoubtedly pay dividends," he said.

The two-day event included presentations on career development, continuing education, mentorship, resiliency, physical and mental health, life insurance and financial guidance. Airmen were also given the opportunity to meet with the speakers to discuss their goals and come up with a plan to achieve them.

Staff Sgt. Charles Desiato an aircraft ordnance systems mechanic is new to the unit, but no stranger to the U.S. Air Force since he is prior service active duty, guard and reserve.

"You don't know what you don't know," Desiato said referring to all the new things he learned about the Air National Guard despite his prior service background.

Desiato said, in addition to finding resources to continue his education he also had the opportunity to enlist the help of a mentor to guide him throughout his new career at the 162nd.