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380AEW Article

380th AEW leaders offer advice to newest chiefs

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Senior Master Sgts. Todd Joiner and Paul Turner have new names.

"From now on, you will be known as 'Chief.'"

That was the proclamation from Brig. Gen. Jeff Lofgren, the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, during a meeting with the two senior NCOs Feb. 24. That night, the wing held a special ceremony for Joiner and Turner, recognizing them as two of the Air Force's newest chief master sergeants.

The Air Forces Central command chief master sergeant, Chief Master Sgt. Robert Sealey, served as the guest speaker for the event. He stressed the importance of passion, attitude and selfless service.

Before the recognition ceremony, several leaders from around the wing met with Joiner and Turner to share advice and expectations.

Chief Master Sgt. Pete Stone, the 380th AEW command chief master sergeant, told Joiner and Turner that when people talk to them as chiefs, they will do so thinking they've held the rank forever, so "be prepared to have answers to every question."

"I told them that their role is crucial to the future of our Air Force" Stone said. "All commanders have a vision; a chief's job is to educate others on that vision and make sure everyone understands their role in the mission of the Air Force."

In addition to helping people better appreciate their responsibilities as Airmen, chiefs also serve as examples to everyone around them, Stone said.

"People are looking to you, they watch everything you do and say," he said. "Be prepared to be models for our Airmen."

Lofgren offered a senior officer's perspective.

"When I talk to a chief, I expect frank and honest dialogue; I think all senior leaders do," the general said.

But more than anything "chiefs are the ultimate problem solvers," Lofgren said.

"When there is a problem that can't be solved within an organization, a chief has the contacts with other organizations and can reach out and pull together to solve the problem," he said. "And once that's done, of course, we move on to the next one. But that's how I see your role now."

For Joiner and Turner, their newest chevron is vastly different than the ones they earned before.

"My goals have definitely changed," said Turner, a Haynesville, La., native. "Because there are no more promotions, my entire focus is now on giving back to Airmen at all levels."

"I've had great mentors throughout my career, so I hope I can do the same for someone else," said Joiner, a native of Tiskilwa, Ill. "I love interacting with Airmen and seeing them be successful. As a chief, I just want to make a different in people's lives."

The 380th Expeditionary Operations Group commander, Col. Jay Bickley had one last piece of advice for the promotees:

"When people say 'chief,' they do it with a certain inflection in their voice," the colonel said. "Everyone up and down the ranks respects a chief. You've earned it; wear it proudly."