YARS Top 3 Council returns after more than nine-year break Published Feb. 3, 2014 By Tech. Sgt. Valerie Smock 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- The 910th Airlift Wing Top 3 Council inducted 18 newly-promoted master sergeants into their organization, here, February 1, 2014, during a Senior Noncommissioned Officer (SNCO) Recognition Ceremony. The Top 3 Council consists of Airmen at Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS) holding master sergeant, senior master sergeant and chief master sergeant rank. The purpose of Top 3 is to provide mentorship and cultivate a sense of belonging, camaraderie and recognition. The council was on a more than nine-year hiatus, but some of the SNCOs felt it was important to try and bring the group back to life. Senior Master Sgt. Joann Shaw, Reserve Recruiting flight chief and president of Top 3, reached out to wing leadership and for approval to reinstate the organization. "It was a missing piece in the wing," said Shaw. "If you are not part of the Airman's Council, 5/6 Council, 1st Sgts. or Chiefs Group, then where do you belong?" Senior Master Sgt. Kevin M. Massie, superintendent and senior Air Reserve Technician with 76th Aerial Port Squadron and vice president of Top 3, said he was also a big proponent of bringing back the council since it had been absent for a long time. "There is a lot that rests on the Top 3," said Massie. "Airman's Council is phenomenal and they really have their stuff together. In fact, all of the councils are great, but there was a missing piece. A lot of us have been out here for so long and so we know people, but it's nice to be able to utilize those people if necessary. That way we, together as a group, can help everyone else out." Being a part of this council isn't something to take lightly. The promotion and induction into the higher rank comes with new expectations and more responsibility. The new members of the council said they are ready for the challenge. "It's an honor because it shows you're one of the top three in the NCO ranks," said Master Sgt. Princeton Lowe, superintendent for the 910th Airlift Wing Inspector General's office and newly inducted member. "It shows that someone has confidence in me to get the job done. It's about mentoring and leading others and integrity. It makes you more prideful." But it isn't just about pride. Holding one of these top ranks represents everything that makes up what being an Airman is all about. "It's all about service before self," said Col. James D. Dignan, 910th Airlift Wing commander. "You're here for something larger than yourself. You embody our belief of excellence in all we do." Even though many of the Airmen at YARS are Traditional Reservists and have a small amount of time each weekend to get the job done, being a part of a group such as Top 3 provides the opportunity to have ownership in a small piece of the big puzzle. "Don't just be here; be in it," said Shaw. "We are a team and a group of professionals at YARS. We need to unite. We are the Top 3!"