LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
To all that knew her, Chief Master Sgt. Denise Mikolajczyk was the epitome of a chief; embodying excellence and taking care of her Airmen.
In the wake of her untimely passing in 2009, the Langley Chief's Group pledged to keep that spirit alive by hosting an annual "Chief Mik" Golf Tournament. This year's tournament took place Oct. 21 at Eaglewood Golf Course.
Approximately 100 golfers registered for the tournament. In addition to remembering Mikolajczyk, all proceeds from the event benefit scholarship programs, morale initiatives and awards ceremonies for Langley's junior-enlisted Airmen.
Mikolajczyk was stationed at Langley AFB, assigned to Headquarters Air Combat Command's Directorate of Manpower, Personnel and Services, where she served as the Manpower Functional Manager, when she died Jan. 11, 2009, as a result of a benign tumor that blocked her mitral valve.
In her honor, the Chief's Group renamed their annual golf outing after her, pledging their support of Langley's Airmen, just as she had done in her career.
According to Chief Master Sgt. Maurice James, a representative from the Chief's Group, "Chief Mik" embodied what chiefs should embody - being a servant leader.
"She was the silent storm behind the scenes making it happen," he continued. "She always asked, 'How do I serve the Airmen that are entrusted to me?'"
Joyce Richmond, Mikolajczyk's mother, participated in the tournament, which she called "an absolute honor."
"I'm tickled pink that the group is honoring Denise," she said. "They're continuing the good work she did."
Richmond said Mikolajczyk was a nurturer from a young age, often taking care of her younger siblings when they were ill. She applied the same caring to her husband and two sons, and to the Airmen she led throughout her career.
"When she passed, we heard all the wonderful things she'd done. We received letters from all over the world," Richmond said. "One woman met her in airport, and told us that while she only knew her for 15 minutes, Denise changed her life."
This year's tournament raised more than $2,800 to benefit Langley's junior-enlisted Airmen, surpassing last year's mark of $2,300.