SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. –
After more than three years as Air Mobility Command's top enlisted leader, Chief Master Sergeant Joseph Barron retired Oct. 16 after a ceremony honoring his 30-year Air Force career and tenure at Scott AFB.
"The places I've been to, the opportunities I've had ... it's truly been an honor to serve with all of you," said Chief Barron. "I tried to serve with dignity, integrity and excellence, and I thank my father for teaching me values similar to those I would follow throughout my Air Force career. I owe it all to him."
Gen. Arthur Lichte, Air Mobility Command commander, expressed his gratitude to Chief Barron for his "superior performance and stewardship" as AMC's command chief master sergeant. "Remember, as this chapter comes to an end, know you have served in the greatest Air Force in the world and touched the lives of generations of Airmen."
Chief Barron's Air Force career began in 1979 with administrative specialist technical school training at Keesler AFB, Miss. During his career, Chief Barron found success in a variety of specialties within his original career field, along with tours with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Air Force Recruiting Service and the Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team.
Chief Barron's first assignment in April 1980 was Nellis AFB, Nev., as an information management technician. He returned to Nellis AFB 20 years later as the command chief for the Air Warfare Center. Along the way, he earned two associate degrees in applied science from the Community College of the Air Force.
He also became a military training manager - serving at Chanute AFB, Ill. Chief Barron followed that assignment by becoming a first sergeant where he served in units both in the United States and overseas to include his tour with the Thunderbirds. Besides AMC and the Air Warfare Center, Chief Barron also served as a command chief for 2nd Air Force at Keesler AFB, Miss.
Deployments were also frequent in Chief Barron's career. Among them include deploying for Operations Desert Fox in 1998 and Allied Force in 1999. In OAF, he was instrumental in the initial beddown, troop support and morale for the second largest combat air refueling wing in Air Force history.
At his retirement ceremony, Chief Barron was presented with the Legion of Merit for his leadership efforts at Air Mobility Command. In his career, the chief has also earned six Air Force Meritorious Service Medals, five Air Force Commendation Medals and numerous other awards.
But throughout his career, Chief Barron said he's most appreciative of his fellow Airmen. As AMC's command chief, he consistently met with Airmen at AMC's bases and he also went to see deployed AMC Airmen in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
During a 2007 stop at the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center on Fort Dix, N.J., Chief Barron was asked what his definition of an Airman would be. He said, "That's easy. Just read the Airman's Creed. I think it defines an Airman better than anything else out there."
Reflecting on his Air Force career and the Airmen he served with, Chief Barron said, "I hope I'm leaving the Air Force a little better than when I first signed up. The Air Force is my family, and always will be."