CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston, Monday marked the first day of my journey as your command chief.
I am honored to have been selected and often have to pinch myself. After 24 years in the Air Force, I am pleased with where my career has taken me and I am even more pleased it has brought me here. I am excited, humbled and blessed to assume the duties as command chief of such an amazing base.
I am awed every day by the professionalism of the Airmen here. You complete the mission with a sense of purpose and teamwork unlike anything I have ever seen and I have seen many outstanding teams at work.
When I arrived here nine months ago, "What a team?" was my first impression of the Airmen here. That impression has not changed. Teamwork continues to be the theme. It is evident in the orchestrated effort that moves massive amounts of cargo daily. It is unmistakable in the enthusiastic support for fellow Airmen as displayed at award presentations, promotion ceremonies, Airman Leadership School graduations and many other gatherings.
I view my role as your command chief with a philosophy similar to the way I have viewed my role as a chief master sergeant. My purpose, my goal and my mission is to do everything I can to create an environment that promotes success and the highest quality of life. The work you do is of the highest quality and the environment where you live, work and play should be of the highest quality as well. In the coming weeks as I visit the units, I look forward to seeing you at work and hearing what is on your minds. I can't wait to see you in action.
I wish Godspeed to retired Chief Master Sgt. Melvin Willis and his wife, Cynthia, as they begin another chapter in their lives.
Chief, if you are reading this, thank you so much for the mentorship and the friendship; you will truly be missed.
I am extremely thankful to everyone that made his "change of career" luau, retirement ceremony and the farewell picnic all successful events. I couldn't begin to name everyone, but I'd like to offer a special thanks to my primary points of contact, Senior Master Sgt. Michelle Celadon, 437th Airlift Wing, Senior Master Sgt. Brenda Royal-Johnson, 437th Communications Squadron and Master Sgt. Kendrick Mast, 437th Aerial Port Squadron. I could not have done it without you.
Every week I look forward to highlighting the amazing things you do. I extend congratulations to Tech. Sgt. Joel Culbreth, 437th Communications Squadron, and his family for winning the Yard of the Month award for May. This award is an example of the hard work and pride shown throughout the base.
My husband, Derrick, and I appreciate all the well wishes and words of encouragement. We look forward to serving you as Charleston AFB continues to be the premier airlift wing in Air Mobility Command.