Command chief bids farewell to Edwards, says hello to 'gateway of the Air Force'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stacy Sanchez
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  When an airman basic graduated basic training from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, on June 7, 1984, he never envisioned 24 years later he would head back to the same location that began his Air Force journey.

That Airman, now Chief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis, the 95th Air Base Wing command chief, will relinquish his duties April 25 here to become the new command chief for the Air Force's incoming Airmen.

"There are two jobs I would consider my dream jobs," Chief Lewis said. "One job is to be in charge of the Air Force Honor Guard, and the other being the command chief at Lackland. I am really looking forward to being with all those Airmen. I can give them the basic foundation of being successful in the Air Force."

During his time at Edwards, Chief Lewis was responsible for advising the 95th Air Base Wing commander on the welfare, utilization, recognition and progression of the enlisted men and women assigned to the wing. He represented the commander and the enlisted force on various committees, councils and boards as well as attended numerous military and civilian functions.

"Edwards has a unique mission," Chief Lewis said while talking about the many different aircraft Edwards has. "How many people can step outside their door and see an air show just about every day? There are also some remarkable people here as well. Edwards is the Air Force's best kept secret."

When Chief Lewis arrived here 18 months ago, he set goals to enhance the professionalism of Airmen, noncommissioned officers and senior NCOs as well as improving the quality of life and instilling a warrior mentality into Airmen.

"As I look back at the goals that I set when I first got here, I feel that we have made great strides towards achieving those goals," Chief Lewis said. "We have definitely increased the number of reenlistments here, and if you look at the professionalism of our Airmen, their professionalism is just outstanding."

The warrior mentality here is also on the rise, he said.

"People here tend to feel as though Edwards is not in the fight," Chief Lewis said. "So now we are making sure that our Airmen are heading out and supporting the fight all the time."

As one of his greatest accomplishment here, Chief Lewis said he enjoyed meeting Airmen through his Command Chief Shadow Program. The shadow program allows Airmen who are assigned to the 95th Air Base Wing to have one-on-one interaction with the command chief and to live the command-chief life for a day.

"This program provided the avenue to hear first-hand the concerns of my Airman," Chief Lewis said. "For instance, these Airmen implemented several quality of life initiatives such as pregnancy parking slots at the Base Exchange and Commissary. They also helped us in giving two-room suites to Airmen residing in the dorms, as well as giving us recommendations for home-cooked meals for our dorm dwellers."

Like Chief Lewis has said during many enlisted calls here, everything he does, he does it for his Airmen.

"I enjoy spending time with my Airmen," Chief Lewis said. "They are what keep me fired up. The day I stop caring for my Airmen is the day I retire. I tell all my chiefs that our number-one goal is to serve our Airmen. When you become a chief, it doesn't mean you have risen to the top of the mountain, it just means you really have to start working harder with your Airmen."

While as command chief here, Chief Lewis said he also got the time to meet some extraordinary Airmen. When he refers to Airmen, he refers to the 'Big A' -- enlisted, officers and civilians.

"I see extremely bright futures for some of our Airmen here," Chief Lewis said. "When I look at some of the them, I truly do see some 'twinkle, twinkle, little stars,' I always tell my Airmen to go out and do something amazing."

Chief Lewis said he is taking with him all the knowledge he has gained here to Lackland.

"With every base you go to, you gain new knowledge," Chief Lewis said. "This knowledge helps you achieve better roles in the future. I will be taking what I have learned here and what I have learned in my past bases to Lackland. All this knowledge will help me serve these Airmen to the best of my abilities."

To Airmen, both old and new to the Air Force, Chief Lewis asked that his heroes on Edwards continue to use his "ABC's of success" -- Airman should be accountable for their actions, do everything to the best of their abilities and remember the core values of the Air Force.

"I want my heroes to be able to look at themselves in the mirror and know that they are following their core values," Chief Lewis said. "Following the ABCs will lead you to a successful military career.

Before heading off to Lackland, Chief Lewis said he will miss Team Edwards.

"The people here are some of the best in the Air Force," Chief Lewis said. "I am extremely proud to earn the respect of the Airmen here. As chiefs, our primary duties are to take care of our Airmen. They are what keep me motivated and they are what make me continue to serve. Airmen are our most precious resources so we are obligated to ensure they have the right tools and foundations to do great things for our nation. 

"I am honored to have served beside you, heroes," he said.