GRAF IGNATIEVO AIR BASE, Bulgaria -- U.S. Air Force  Master Sergeants John Carbon and Michael Patrick, both first sergeants from U.S. Air Forces in Europe, hosted 34 Bulgarian Air Force noncommissioned officers during an enlisted leadership seminar here Oct. 21.

The seminar was part of 30 scheduled  events during Thracian Fall 2010, the combined exercise designed to provide both U.S. and Bulgarian airmen the opportunity to train together and strengthen relationships.

"We're trying to assist the Bulgarians to enable their military, and in particular, their enlisted force," said Maj. Michael Sheldon, USAFE international affairs strategist.

Centered on the enlisted force structure, the USAFE senior noncommissioned officers discussed in great detail the history of the enlisted force and rank responsibilities.

"Me and Sergeant Patrick are old in Air Force career standards," said Sergeant Carbon, 37th Airlift Squadron first sergeant and 17-year Air Force veteran. "One of the most important responsibilities we have at this point in our Air Force careers is to pay it forward."

Although a different path was what led his fellow first sergeant's career, he expressed the same appreciation for the opportunity to provide mentorship to any Airman, U.S. or Bulgarian.

"It does not matter, U.S. or partner countries Air Force, it is all about mentoring," said the 480th Fighter Squadron first sergeant. "This is probably my last trip of my career, it is my hope that our services continue to work together. Remember we are more than comrades, we are brothers and sisters in arms.' 

Following the formal briefing Sergeants Patrick and Carbon opened to the floor for one-on-one interaction. Asking questions from promotion rates, to how to obtain professional development material, Bulgarian servicemembers expressed a desire to not only learn about U.S. enlisted Airmen but to educate their Bulgarian officers on their own potential.

"We are making forward progress together," said Bulgarian Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kalin Krumov, from the 24th Technical Squadron at Krumovo Helicopter Air Base, Bulgaria.

Chief Krumov knows first-hand of the progress his enlisted force is making with the partnership of the U.S. Air Force. In May 2009, Chief Krumov was the first enlisted Bulgarian to attend the Chief Master Sergeant's Senior Leadership Conference held at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

"This type of interaction and mentorship benefits us tremendously," he said. "Our young enlisted need as much information as we can give them."

As the day came to an end, friendships were made and invitations to further joint enlisted military education opportunities were extended.

"I would love to attend one of the Air Force NCO academies," said Bulgarian Staff Sgt. Mariya Boneva, 24th Communications Squadron weather observer at Krumovo Air Base. "Our structure and the level of responsibility we hold are quite different. Our military does not expect our SNCOs to make decisions. I hope we can take some of the lessons learned here and apply them in the future, and that is why I the interest in NCOA, to extend my own development."

Because not all training requests can be accommodated, sometimes timing, language barriers or funding may cost an NCO the opportunity to attend formal training, so before leaving, the first sergeants left behind two tools for the Bulgarians, a little brown book, Air Force Instruction 36-2618 "The Enlisted Force Structure," and the other, Air Force Pamphlet 36-2241," The Enlisted Professional Development Guide."

"Grab that younger NCO and mentor or develop them to become the enlisted leaders of the future," said Sergeant Carbon.