CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The 1st Combat Camera Squadron will welcome the first-ever public affairs officer as their new commander during a change of command ceremony here Aug. 14.
Lt. Col. Robyn Chumley, former student at the Air Force's Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Ala., replaced Lt. Col. Catherine Walter. Colonel Walter will make a permanent change of station to Eskisehir, Turkey, as the NATO Combined Air Operations director of communications.
"I'm thrilled to be a part of Team Charleston and to have the opportunity to lead such an incredible group of Airmen at the 1 CTCS," said Colonel Chumley.
She was born in Louisville, Ky., but grew up as an Air Force child while her father served as an Air Force chaplain. She was later commissioned into the Air Force in 1988 after receiving her Master's Degree in international journalism from Baylor University, Waco, Texas.
Since joining the Air Force, Colonel Chumley has been assigned to several bases to include Malmstrom AFB, Mont., Kunsan AB, Korea, Ramstein AB, Germany, but this is her first assignment to Charleston AFB. She is also the first non-communications officer to command 1 CTCS.
"Initially, my plan is to get to know the squadron -- people and mission -- and for them to get to know me," said Colonel Chumley. "1 CTCS Airmen provide a visual record of what took place in the full spectrum of classified and unclassified military operations -- from combat and natural disasters, to joint exercises, contingency operations and humanitarian relief efforts. Their timely and accurate photos and videos give the nation's decision-makers a 'you-are-there' perspective to achieve a variety of effects, to include operational analysis, legal issues, training opportunities, information operations and strategic communication objectives, and historical record."
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
I'm a longtime fan of the Dallas Cowboys -- through thick and thin. Roger "the Dodger" Staubach was my childhood hero.
What is you favorite movie?
Oh, way too many to narrow it down -- I'm easily entertained.
What is your major pet peeve?
Self before service, sometimes couched in "not my job" terms.
Who is your favorite author?
I love to read, so again, it's tough to narrow down a favorite. Here are two of many: Tim O'Brien, who served in and writes about the Vietnam War; and Bill Bryson, who's humorously written about his travels around the world.
What is your favorite quote?
Thomas Jefferson said, "Information to the people ... is the most certain and the most legitimate engine of government." Though, if I could edit Mr. Jefferson's oft-quoted sentence, I'd add the word "truthful" to the beginning of his maxim.
Why did you join the Air Force?
To make more than the below-the-poverty-line salary of a local beat reporter, but I stayed much longer than planned once I realized I love serving my country and my Air Force with Airmen who feel the same.
How would you describe your leadership style?
It depends on the situation.
Who is your role model and why?
My parents for so many reasons, but particularly for this one: Everywhere they have lived, they have been compassionate members of the on- and off-base community and worked so hard to help others who do not have the means to help themselves.