PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCO) from USSF’s Space Systems Command (SSC) gathered in-person and virtually for the inaugural Elevate, Empower, Engage: Always Forward, Always Leading Leadership XChange Program held at Patrick Space Force Base (SFB), Fla, on March 24, 2025.
Spearheaded by SSC’s Senior Enlisted Leader Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) Jacqueline Sauvé, the Leadership Xchange Program addresses SNCOs from across the command, including Guardians assigned to Peterson, Vandenberg, Buckley, Schriever, and Patrick Space Force Bases; Los Angeles, Kirtland and Hanscom Air Force Bases; Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (SFS); Johnson Space Center; Naval Base Point Loma; and operating locations in Maryland, Virginia, Colorado, and Hawaii.
“The space domain is an environment that is evolving faster than ever, with new threats and new demands presenting themselves constantly, pushing us to charge ahead,” Sauvé said during opening remarks. “The Secretary of Defense has laid out our mission priorities, which are to revive our Warrior ethos, rebuild our force by matching threats and capabilities, and re-establish the terms by which we defend our homeland, not just on the ground, but in the sky. After receiving feedback from our SSC Commanders, SNCOs and NCOs, this series was built around what you need to grow and improve as leaders in this ever-changing environment.”
The new program for SNCOs aims to sharpen decision-making skills. A key area of focus is on empowering SNCOs to effectively advocate for resources and navigate complex joint environments, ultimately driving mission success through collaborative problem-solving and enhanced leadership capabilities.
The inaugural event was coordinated on behalf of SSC by Space Launch Delta (SLD) 45 members at Patrick SFB; CMSgt Apodoca, SLD 45 SEL; and MSgt Cameron Stribling, Airfield & Range Weather Flight Chief, 45th Weather Squadron. CMSgt Apodoca welcomed participants, emphasizing the importance of continuous professional development for the Space Force’s evolving mission, but also acknowledging that leadership skills are shared among the services.
Following an unclassified intelligence briefing delivered by Master Sergeant (MSgt) Lilliana Ventura, SLD 45 Intel Analyst, which focused on the current geopolitical challenges and their potential impact on space operations, guest speaker retired Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt) Scott Stalker took the stage.
Stalker shared an anecdote about exploiting a loophole on a bubble test by marking answers with tick marks instead of fully shading them, saving time and achieving a perfect score. Accused of cheating, he explained his strategy of returning later to fill in the bubbles, prompting leadership to change the test rules. He likened this experience to the ever-evolving nature of modern challenges, highlighting the need for adaptability and innovative thinking.
Stalker’s messaging resonated with attendees like Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) Tommy D. Beers, 45th Civil Engineer Squadron.
“Just because someone says you cannot achieve something, doesn’t mean you should listen to them,” said Beers, reflecting on the program. “Wake up, look yourself in the mirror, and decide what type of leader you are going to be. If you believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything you set out to do.”
In a message to attendees after the event, Sauvé said “Your voices, insights, and willingness to lean into each session shaped this experience into something truly impactful. By taking ownership of your development and contributing to the dialogue, you’ve helped set the foundation for what this program will become moving forward—a platform for building trust, empowering decisions, and strengthening our collective warrior ethos.”
Future quarterly training events will be hosted in person and virtually by SSC SCNOs at Vandenberg SFB, LA AFB, and Peterson SFB. These events aim to bolster the force by fostering coachability, closing communication gaps, and reigniting a passion for leadership.