LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
An authority, teacher, mentor and leader. Those qualifications are what it takes to be considered as a chief master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. And on Nov. 8, Langley Air Force Base, Va., celebrated the selection of 22 chief master sergeants during a promotion-release ceremony held at the Langley Club.
"I think it is an honor in the first place to be selected as a chief because only 1 percent make chief," said Chief Master Sgt. Valeria Richardson, 633rd Inpatient Operation Squadron superintendent.
As leaders who have achieved the highest enlisted rank, with the exception of chief master sergeant of the Air Force, these select individuals serve as vital leaders in the Air Force structure. Although chief master sergeants were not part of the Air Force's original enlisted structure in 1947, the rank was created after 11 years to fill a needed leadership role.
Since the rank's creation, chiefs have been guided by a creed that not only outlines their careers, but also their lives. And the impact of that creed creates strong ties with other service members.
"It was nice to return to work and see my e-mail flooded with 'thanks'," said Senior Master Sgt. Raul Villarreal Jr. Headquarters Air Combat Command avionics manager of the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon. "That tells me that there are people, even that I used to supervise, that still remember, and that means a lot to me."
Both Richardson and Vilarreal said they did not become chief master sergeants alone, but with the help of peers, supervisors and especially family who pushed them to go above and beyond what was required.
"As long as you can look yourself in the mirror every day and know that you tried to move forward, that's a good thing," said Vilarreal. "I just want to do the best that I can every day."
They strive, not only to complete the mission, but to ensure that those around them can as well.
"I see my role as grooming and giving back to the junior Airmen, so they can take my place," said Richardson.
Chief master sergeants are defined by leadership and do not hesitate to take chances.
"Lead from the front. It's that simple," said Villarreal. "The expectation is not for you to be better than other people, but to be visible."
According to Richardson, that visibility can begin on the first day an individual enters the Air Force.
"From day one of your career, go out there and seek leadership, get involved, find stuff you like and don't be afraid to step out in the leadership role," said Richardson.
Richardson also advised chief selects to be humble and to get out from behind the desk and visit the Airmen.
"There is no job I would give the lowest ranking Airman that I'm not willing to do myself," said Richardson.
Chief master sergeants must be morally courageous as well, standing for the truth when it is unpopular and saying "no" with emphasis, though the world may be saying "yes."
"In looking forward, the trust that is going to be placed upon me to make sure we go in the right direction, as long as it is predicated under the vision the respected leadership," said Villarreal. "I have to make sure we go in the right direction, continuing to push and motivate."
Richardson agreed, stating that the strength of chiefs, and the direction they take things, is not simply a product of the individual.
"Making chief is not just me making it," said Richardson. "Do not forget the people who helped you get there."
Langley's newest chief master sergeant selectees are:
· Senior Master Sgt. Carmia B. Basker
· Senior Master Sgt. Trevor L. Browning
· Senior Master Sgt. James A. Cash Jr.
· Senior Master Sgt. Stephen Charles
· Senior Master Sgt. Charles A. Collins
· Senior Master Sgt. Robert A. Craig Jr.
· Senior Master Sgt. Daryl P. Harris
· Senior Master Sgt. Terry J. Hartman
· Senior Master Sgt. Michael P. Marshall
· Senior Master Sgt. Mary Rose McGhee
· Senior Master Sgt. Victoria L. Myers
· Senior Master Sgt. Rolando Pabon
· Senior Master Sgt. Marvin V. Parker
· Senior Master Sgt. Shayne L. Pederson
· Senior Master Sgt. Robert L. Richardson
· Senior Master Sgt. Wesley H. Riopel
· Senior Master Sgt. Paul N. Silver
· Senior Master Sgt. Brian L. Sondgeroth
· Senior Master Sgt. Robert E. Thompson
· Senior Master Sgt. George P. Truini
· Senior Master Sgt. John F. Veasy
· Senior Master Sgt. Raul Villarreal Jr.
· Senior Master Sgt. Craig Williams