The 2012 Nursing Services Executive Leadership Symposium opening ceremonies Published June 6, 2012 By Lt. Col. Erwin Gines and Maj. Angelique Vann Patterson Air Force Nursing Services, Headquarters WASHINGTON -- Maj. Gen. Kimberley A. Siniscalchi, Assistant Air Force Surgeon General, Medical Force Development and Assistant Air Force Surgeon General, Nursing Services and Chief MSgt. Cleveland Wiltz, Aerospace Medical Service Career Field Manager, welcomed Air Force nursing service attendees during the opening ceremonies for the 2012 Executive Leadership Symposium and workshop. The Executive Leadership Symposium has been held over the past 15 years for the Nursing Service enlisted and officer leaders from each component. The theme for this year's event is Back to Basics: The Art and Science of Nursing. The week's busy schedule was packed with a wide variety of workshops and presentations to hone existing tools or provide new ones. Also sprinkled throughout the schedule were events designed to recognize 2011 AFMS Award winners, present research abstracts, honor retirees, collaborate, and promote spirit-de-corps. Keynote speaker Dr. Karen Guise, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, offered inspirational direction to the audience. This was the first occasion for a DoD Health Affairs' leader to speak at this symposium. "There are literally thousands of service members who are injured or became ill and who are buoyed by your words, understanding and your caring touch," said Guise, "They will never forget you. You bring hope with your smiles, you bring empathy with your words of encouragement, you bring strength with your skills in science and healing...truly the art and science of nursing." Dr. Guise highlighted the importance of developing the clinical talent of more junior nurses and technicians, communication skills at every level, teamwork and integration, and a shared electronic health record. Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Charles B. Green, Air Force Surgeon General, and Chief MSgt. Charles R. Cole, Chief, Medical Enlisted Force, also spoke to the attendees. Lt. Gen. Green discussed innovative contributions by nursing services by hailing the early work of a nurse which led to the birth of the modern EMEDS concept. Chief MSgt. Cole highlighted the talent and accomplishment of today's Total Nursing Force Airmen which included Staff Sgt. Jack Williams, Airman First Class Bryenna Brooks, Senior Airman Jasmine Russell and Col. Lisa Naftzger-Kang who each served with distinction while deployed. Lt. Gen. Green provided advice about vision and leadership when asked by an audience member. "If you look at high rank, you might think it's about power," said Green, "It is not truly about power, it is about relationships. If you take care of the people you work for, hold them accountable, they will work even harder for you. It's been my experience in the Air Force, if you take care of people, they will take care of you." Chief MSgt. Cole, who attended this event for the last time before he retires, said, "On behalf of Gen. Green and I, thank you for allowing us to serve you. It has been very humbling to represent such an awesome group of people because you are truly a dedicated group of professionals. We are so proud of you and we ask you to communicate to your units the pride we have for them all. Serving those who serve our nation, the highest call there will ever be."