Ceremony recognizes Edwards newest chief master sergeants

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stacy Sanchez
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Team Edwards gathered together to recognize its newest chief master sergeants during a chief recognition ceremony at Club Muroc here April 4.

In the late 1950s, the Air Force replaced the warrant officers position with the introduction of a new top enlisted grade -- chief master sergeant.

The inductees honored during the ceremony were Chief Master Sgt. John Burns, 412th Maintenance Group weapons stabilization superintendent, Senior Master Sgt. Ben Rosen, Air Force Research Laboratory propulsion division superintendent and Senior Master Sergeant Michael Belanger 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron superintendent.

"I am very humbled to be selected as a chief," Sergeant Belanger said. "As a chief it means that I am not just a unit or base leader, I am an  Air Force leader. People look to chiefs for advice, mentorship and leadership so I must bring bring my 'A' game to work every day."

During the ceremony, Chief Master Sgt. William Gurney, Air Force Materiel Command command chief, talked about the important role chief master sergeants play in the Air Force.

"You are at the pinnacle of the enlisted ladder," Chief Gurney said. "You have the opportunity to make a difference as senior leaders in our Air Force. Now is not the time to rest on your laurels. Remember that every Airman has something to offer, so be sure as chiefs that you set them up for success. Organize, train, and equip them with the tools necessary to do there jobs. Ensure that each air Airmen understands their contribution to help the Air Force fly, fight and win for America."

Col. Nancy Wharton, 95th Air Base Wing commander, also congratulated the base's newest chiefs and reminded them that they are a part of an elite group who have come so far.

"As a second lieutenant, chiefs really scared me," Colonel Wharton said. "When I was commissioned in 1984 as an active-duty computer programmer, one of the first people I met on base was a chief. He had about 30 years in service, and he was getting ready to retire. I remember he showed me a yard stick and asked me what it was. Not really understanding the question, I replied back and said 'it's a yardstick chief.' He answered back, 'no, it's a lieutenant correction device.' From that point on, I knew where I stood. I learned a lot from that chief."

During the ceremony Colonel Wharton asked every Airman, E-1 through E-4, to stand up. She wanted the new chiefs in the room to look at the Airmen around because that is who they are now setting the example.

Also at the ceremony, one Airman from each rank, E-1 through E-9, lit a candle to symbolize the progression through the ranks.

"I can truly say that I will always remember this ceremony," Sergeant Rosen said. "I originally joined the military to only serve four years. I never would have thought that I would be here today getting ready to make chief."

Before the ceremony ended, Chief Gurney had one challenge for these new chiefs.

"Remember what it was like to be an airman first class," Chief Gurney said. "To be effective, you need to find a way to break the institutional barriers between you and your Airmen. Now more than ever, we need to exercise face-to-face leadership -- management by walking around is still the best approach."

Chief Gurney said he also wanted to let the chiefs know base commanders are relying on them to keep their fingers on the pulse of the enlisted community.

"You are their voice, eyes and ears," Chief Gurney said. "Do not become isolated by layers of command. Understand that you have not arrived to the top yet, in fact, you are only just beginning. It's not about parking spaces or vanity license plates, it's about taking care of our Airmen. Continue the legacy that has been started more than 48 years ago."