Induction ceremony recognizes Eielson's newest chiefs

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  A Chief Induction Ceremony was held to honor three newly inducted chief master sergeants Jan. 26, 2011 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.

Members of the 354th Fighter Wing and 168th Air Refueling Wing were joined by retired Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley to recognize these individuals for reaching the top enlisted tier of Air Force enlisted servicemembers. Out of 262,000 active duty Airmen, only 1 percent of them reach the rank of chief master sergeant. Currently, there are 2,600 chiefs in the entire Air Force.

The 354 FW members acknowledged at the event included Chief Master Sgt. Dwight Hardy and Chief Master Sgt. Jeremiah Lee Jr., who both entered the Air Force in 1987. The 168 Air Refueling Wing honored Senior Master Sgt. Catherine Pointer who began her career in 1982.

As members of the highest enlisted grade in the Air Force, chiefs have been entrusted as good stewards of personnel, equipment and the overall mission.

After spending time with the newest chiefs, Chief McKinley said, "These three chief selectees are fantastic Airmen, their hearts are absolutely in the right place, the things they believe in - the core values, taking care of our Airmen and actually caring about our Airmen - are extraordinary."

According to Chief McKinley, he did not have any particular mentor although there were people he admired. He observed different people and used their qualities to help develop his own way.

"It was never a personal goal to become Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. It happened, and I was fortunate," he added.

"Some staff sergeants have told me they were going to be the future Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. My advice is be the best staff sergeant, and then when you reach tech[nical] sergeant, be the best tech[nical] sergeant you can be, because the job you presently have in the Air Force is your most important job. You need to concentrate on that and do the best you can," said Chief McKinley.

Once reaching chief master sergeant, there are many years left to further the mission and continue helping the Air Force reach excellence, he added. There is a responsibility to set the right example for junior Airmen who respect the rank and experience that comes with the title. Airmen, in any position as leaders or followers, must be open to new information and experiences.

"I learned more after I made chief master sergeant than I ever did before. So even though you've made it to chief there's still tons and tons to learn - about the mission, about being a leader, how to make things happen, how to effect change in your organization, how to save money and how to be more efficient - there is so much to learn," said Chief McKinley.

It is in tough situations that the Air Force is often measured, and in these times it is the senior leaders who will bolster Airmen they command to reinforce the work force, he said. The position these chiefs will hold is one that few will make. Eielson can welcome the guidance and experience the newest chief master sergeants will bring to the Iceman team.