Det. 303 1st shirt is the toastmaster general

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wesley Wright
  • 442nd FW/PA
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Since he was a young man, Master Sgt. Cristofer Valenzuela, 495th Fighter Group, Detachment 303, first sergeant, has been a leader.

Through his association with Toastmasters International, a communication and leadership development organization, he has honed his leadership skill to a razor edge.

Valenzuela, originally from the Philippines, said communication is essential to both civilians and military members.

"Every Airman needs to be a good communicator and listener," he said. "You need to be able to listen and think critically. This is important not only in military, but in all walks of life."

A married father of two, Valenzuela has been associated with Toastmasters since he moved here five years ago. While stationed here, he at one time worked with Senior Master Sgt Jon Dunn, 509th Maintenance Operation Center superintendent, who said he was impressed by the Valenzuela's work ethic.

"He is a member of many groups, including the Air Force Sergeant's Association and the Whiteman Top 3," he said. "He is intrinsically motivated and a true transformational leader, who leads Airmen in the right direction to get the mission done."

Those experiences in leadership began early in life for Valenzuela. As the oldest of seven children, he was often left in charge of his siblings while his parents were away. He said he inferred immediately the expectation from them to be a guardian and bear that responsibility.

"Leadership starts at home," Valenzuela said. "It has to be modeled, and goes hand-in-hand with character."

That character and drive served him well, as he went on to coach youth soccer at 19, before enlisting in the Air Force. He excelled early on, becoming the leader of his shift before he even went to Airman Leadership School.

Years, and many stripes, later, Valenzuela guides the Airmen of Det. 303, using his broad knowledge of Air Force specialty codes and Air Force instructions to keep Airmen such as Staff Sgt. Jennifer Tucek, on the right path.

Tucek, 495th Fighter Group, Detachment 303, commander's support staff, has worked with Valenzuela for the past year and said she is very impressed with his leadership.

"He leads by example," she said. "He is able to identify what leadership style he needs to use for each Airman and situation. I've learned how to be a better (noncommissioned officer) and better leader from him."

Dunn said Valenzuela is one of the most selfless people he has ever met -- a valuable trait in a first sergeant.

"He gets a thrill out of helping people and then watching them succeed," Dunn said. "He epitomizes the Air Force core values and the warrior ethos."

Valenzuela is also an avid cyclist, having recently completed a 60-mile bicycle race for charity.

"Cycling gives me plenty of time to think," Valenzuela said. "Some fascinating ideas come to me when I am riding, so it is a win-win; I'm training my body, and working out things in my mind."

Valenzuela uses his keen mind and experience in his job as first sergeant for the detachment. With 22 years in the Air Force, he has "been there -- done that" for many situations in which he finds Airmen.

"There are many stages in Airmen's lives," he said. "From young and married, possibly military-to-military, to NCOs raising young or teenage kids. I've been there. Getting Airmen to that next life or career stage is important to me."

In fact, he said, most of his counseling is based on his personal experiences, which he uses to benefit the current generation of Airmen and NCOs.

"If I have helped at least one person as a first sergeant, then I have done my job," he said.

Valenzuela continues his association with Toastmasters. He founded the Knob Noster "Spirit of America" Chapter of Toastmasters, which he was the first president of, and he is also now the area governor for area 42 of ToastMasters chapters in the Kansas City area as well here in Knob Noster.

"He pulled it together and organized it," said Dunn. "As much work as he does, he deserves more recognition than he's received."