CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Charleston AFB recognized its 10 newest chief master sergeants during the 2009 Chiefs' Group Recognition Ceremony Feb. 7 at the Charleston Club here.
The ceremony, sponsored by the Charleston AFB Chiefs' Group, inducted the following individuals: Chief Master Sgt. James Snelgrove, 315th Security Forces Squadron; Chief Master Sgt. David Mullinax, 81st Aerial Port Squadron; Chief Master Sgt. George Babcheck, 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; Chief Master Sgt. Tonya Blythe, 560th Rapid Engineers Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer; Chief Master Sgt. Marvin Krause, 1st Combat Camera Squadron; Chief Master Sgt. Keith Geltz, 437th Operations Support Squadron; Chief Master Sgt. Paul Bacqewski, 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron; Chief Master Sgt. (Select) Angela Valentine, 437th Force Support Squadron; Chief Master Sgt. (Select) Robert Frank, 437th Aerial Port Squadron; and Chief Master Sgt. (Select) Philip Easton, 437th Maintenance Group.
"This ceremony officially introduces those Senior NCOs recently promoted to the rank of chief master sergeant to the Charleston AFB community," said Chief Master Sgt. Tonia Savidge, 437th Mission Support Group superintendent. "Its intent is to honor the chief master sergeants and their families as we recognize this incredible milestone in their careers."
Guest speaker for the ceremony was retired Chief Master Sgt. Robert Strobel, former 315th Airlift Wing Personnel superintendent. The ceremony also marked the 50th anniversary of the rank of chief master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force.
For one of the chiefs, not only being promoted, but being a part of the ceremony was something he always wondered what it would be like.
"I had been to so many of these ceremonies in the past and always wondered what it would be like to be part of it," said Sergeant Frank. "Now that I have, I can say it was a great experience. I was proud to celebrate my accomplishment alongside nine other great Airmen that evening."
While the road to being chief master sergeant may have been long, Chief (Sel) Valentine explained what kept her focused on her goal.
"Personal commitment and support from the Airmen I've worked for over the years motivated me to become chief," she said. "I sincerely want to take care of our enlisted force, and as a chief, I'm in a better position to do just that."
To help other Airmen coming up in the ranks, Chief (Sel) Frank offered three pieces of advice.
"One, get your priorities in order and take care of the important things," he said. "Two, have a plan, no matter what your goal is, have a plan for the future. And three, take care of your people ... your most precious resource and it's something that can't be sacrificed."