LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
After 16 years, Chief Master Sgt. Trenda Voegtle, head of the Chief's Group, Deputy Chief of Staff for manpower and personnel at Headquarters United States Air Force, returned to Langley, honoring the base's newest senior noncommissioned officers in a speech at the SNCO Induction Ceremony at the Bayside Enlisted Club July 16.
Chief Voegtle provided words of wisdom, encouragement and inspiration to the inductees, remarking about the vast opportunities and influence they will gain in their new leadership roles.
"This is the chance to benefit and improve in their professional development," she said. "With the new rank comes the opportunity to become even more well-rounded."
According to Chief Voegtle, the Air Force is half the size it was when she enlisted in November 1982. Rather than facing the challenge of having to do more with less, the chief said the new SNCOs should see today's Air Force as "full of opportunities."
"You'll be able to do things your predecessors didn't have the chance to do," she said. "This is your turn to be influential and make a difference."
Following her speech, Voegtle received a standing ovation from the guests in attendance. She also received a framed medal and certificate of appreciation for presiding over the ceremony.
Chief Voegtle served as the noncommissioned officer in charge of enlisted promotions, directorate of personnel at Headquarters Tactical Air Command at Langley from May 1989 to December 1991. Following the stand up of Air Combat Command, the she served as the special assistant to the ACC senior enlisted advisor until April 1994.
Chief Voegtle called Langley her "favorite assignment," due to the military-rich Hampton Roads community and its "good people."
"It's great to come back to see the base and all the changes taking place," she said. "Most importantly, it's an honor to be able to see the next generation of senior enlisted leaders take their place."