Character Determines Success - Part Two Published Sept. 13, 2009 By MSgt Sylvia Budinich 301st Medical Squadron NAS JRB FT WORTH, TEXAS -- (Editor's Note: This commentary is the second in a series focussing on mentoring and leadership to developing character) In July I introduced the Character First website: www.characterfirst.com. This month, I'll continue with the next seven of the 49 character qualities. As leaders, we have a plethora of Leadership information available to us: books, Internet, Professional Military Education (PME), college classes, CDs, etc. In March 2007, I had the opportunity to attend the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy (SNCOA) in-residence at Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Montgomery, Alabama. It was, without a doubt, the best PME I have ever attended. The curriculum was awesome as it covered a wide range of leadership topics which enhanced my leadership skills; the instructors were very knowledgeable, if needed, they were always available to assist us with any class project. The amazing guest speakers were former POWs, Tuskegee Airmen and numerous motivational speakers. CMSgt Rodney J. McKinley, the CMSgt of the Air Force at that time, was a guest speaker. Especially enjoyable and noteworthy was the week we spent mentoring the new AF Second Lieutenants, affectionately called "Butter Bars." As a Senior NCO, if you have the opportunity/time to attend in-residence, I highly recommend it. I hope you find the experience as rewarding as I did.