March welcomes new Chiefs

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Michael Blair
  • 452 AMW/Public Affairs
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  The March Field Chiefs' Group has deemed it appropriate to give special recognition to those selected to hold the highest enlisted grade," said Chief Master Sgt. Brian Wels, March Field Chiefs Group president. 

By Federal law, only one percent of the enlisted Air Force may hold the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Sixteen individuals from March who attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant from 2006 to present, gathered April. 18 to participate in the 2009 Chief Master Sergeant Induction Ceremony. 

"From the first recordings of organized military history, certain--individuals; because of their leadership, courage, knowledge and other tangible and intangible qualities--were selected to be leaders. 

Those in the forefront were selected to become Senior Noncommissioned Officers. Within that group, a select few have further proven themselves capable of carrying the highest banner for the Enlisted force, said Co-Master of Ceremonies, Chief Master Sergeant Brian Keithley, 452nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent. 

"This ceremony not only honors those being inducted as Chief Master Sergeants, but also demonstrates both a commonality of purpose and experience with the highest rank of enlisted leadership and announces with pride that 'We, the Chiefs' will work together to achieve our goals of taking care of people, accomplishing the mission, protecting our country and its way of life." 

Chaplain (Major) Doug Johnson delivered the invocation, giving thanks for those chosen to represent the highest enlisted grade in the Air Force. 

"We recognize the discipline and hard work necessary to achieve this position. There are few achievements in life we can accomplish on our own. We thank family, friends and mentors who have encouraged them along the way. We know that when much is given, much is required. May they lead by their example and their character." 

Following the invocation, Inductees Chief Master Sergeants Daniel W. Allee; Daniel A. Avella; Juan M. Covarrubias; Robert B. Ehlers Jr,; Patrick J. Gates; Christopher M. Grogan; Keith H. Hobson; Paula J. Huck; Erica E. Kelly; Kurt C. Koenig; Deborah M. McGuane; Marty R. Olson; Salvador R. Ponce; Daniel G. Willers; Patrick Woods; and Stephen J. Young were brought to the front of the assembly to stand before their commanders, friends, family and peers. 

The inductees lined up behind a long white table, topped with candles--eight white and one blue. The induction ceremony began with a candle lighting ceremony as the Chief's Creed of the United States Air Force was read aloud. 

The individuals we recognize tonight have earned the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Nobody gave it to them. It was a result of their hard work, loyal service, distinctive accomplishments and unlimited leadership potential," said Chief Wels. 

Chief Wels explained to the inductees that they will set the example as a Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force and will be judged, not just as a senior NCO, but--first and foremost--as a Chief. 

"Above all, you will need to temper your pride with humility and dedication to your people." warned Chief Keithley, "Your personnel will always remain the essential difference between mission accomplishment and failure. It will be your task to lead today's enlisted force into the 21st century. Do not take that task lightly." 

The inductees were brought to attention and Major Melisa Vines, squadron section commander, 452 AMXS, delivered the Chief's Charge, "You are charged to support the officers of the Armed Forces of the United States, ensuring their orders are carried out and compliance to all regulations is standard. You are charged with every thought and deed to support your fellow Chiefs, among which we place honor, integrity, loyalty and trust within our ranks above all else. In dealing with your fellow Chiefs, your word must always be your bond. 'Ask the Chief' is a household phrase, in and out of the Air Force. You are now the Chief and your performance has assured us that you will wear your chevrons with the poise that others in arms have before you." 

Brigadier Gen. James L. Melin, Commander, 452nd Air Mobility Wing, lit the remaining blue candle and the Chiefs were given their Oath... 

"I, Chief (state your name), in the presence of the Almighty and this assembly, solemnly promise that I will extend the hand of fellowship to all Chiefs and offer all assistance within my ability to promote and advance the goals of the United States Air Force and my country. 

"I further renew my commitment to uphold and maintain the high traditions of the noncommissioned officers corp. I freely accept the added responsibility and challenges that accompany membership in this exclusive fraternity. With this obligation, I bind myself from this day forward physically and morally to the United States Air Force and my fellow Chiefs." 

As the applause died down, General Melin concluded the ceremony with this advice, "A wise gentleman, that I took a lot of advice from, sat down and helped me when it became apparent to him that I was going to become a commander. He gave me advice that helped throughout my tenure as a senior officer...And that is, when everyone around you is getting excited, you have to calm down. And when everyone around you is calming, you have to get excited. That applies to Chief business as well. 

The Chief's Creed says a Chief has to say 'No' when everyone around him is saying, 'Yes.' I would challenge you that there will be times in your career when I, your commander and your nation are going to ask you to say, 'Yes' while everyone around you is saying, 'No' because that is what's demanded of the Air Force and that is what's demanded to meet mission requirements and to defend this nation. 

We have over 3,000 energetic, dedicated, young Airmen who are a part of the 452nd Air Mobility Wing. As you go out into the challenges around the world, you will encounter Airmen and enlisted people from all components who are going to look at you and look at those chevrons on your shoulder and go, 'You know everything. What should I do?' You have to remember at that moment in time that this induction--that extra stripe--is not a reward for what you have done. It's a challenge and a huge responsibility to do what needs to be done, to do it right, to put your arm around those people and say, 'Follow me and I'll make sure it's okay.'" 

"I applaud you for your careers; I applaud you for what you have done. And I applaud you because you have been justifiably recognized as a Chief in the United States Air Force. It is a tremendous honor. It's a tremendous honor for me to have an opportunity to serve with you. And I thank you and wish you well."