Time for Listening

Verizon says it’s the network.  That’s a solid claim, but I want to do those smart marketing folks one better with my own marketing slogan.

It’s the networking community! 

Although not as much as my friends, I am a bit of a cyber-networking junkie.  Facebook, Linked-In, Classmates…my name is easily found there…it’s just a matter of pinpointing the “right” Helen Gillespie.

Now blogging for Skirt! I feel this is a network…not just a magazine or a web site.  The process of poking around the Skirt! site gives me the same feeling I have when I network at conferences or club meetings.  AND…I don’t have to eat a plastic lunch or make my face contort into a smile when I’m talking to someone unbelievably boring and wearing too much perfume.  I can pick and choose what I want to read, and what I want to say.  However, just like the conferences, none of us know who is really listening.

Here’s where I have something in common with my fellow Warfighters.  Are people, that is, the people who can do something to help, really listening?  I don’t know about the US Congress or leaders of other US Military organizations, but I honestly think the top leaders in the Military Health System are listening.  They’re not hearing much until something hits the papers.

Here’s were I come in… TAAAA DAAAAAAAA!!!  Super Sergeant!

I’m leading a team of senior enlisted members who are establishing a tool for enlisted members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy to ask questions, point out areas that need improvement and generally “network”.  Our goal is to give enlisted members a voice that doesn’t have to travel through ranks and filters.  I wasn’t bashful when I told Dr. Casscells after our meeting today, “I’m excited about this project.  Thank you for supporting this effort.”

He’s an alright guy.  He suggested that an area on this new site should allow site members to upload videos, pictures and other creative endeavors.  His caring seems to ooze beyond the straight-lace of military rank and file.  However, telling him, “You go dude!” may be a little outside of my military bearing training.

Really, Skirt! sisters, can you think of anything more important than a person’s health care….especially when it relates to the Military?  I know that’s an open ended question.  I guess questions like these are why there’s a comment section available in the blogs.

See you soon!