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386th AEW command chief bids farewell to The Rock

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  As Command Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Antwine of Vicksburg, Miss., prepares to move onto his next and final assignment at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., he couldn't help but notice his last days are the busiest ones yet and the most bitter-sweet.

Having served as the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing's command chief master sergeant since he arrived in July, 2008, Chief Antwine said leaving his "deployed family" behind will be almost as tough as settling into his new post at Shaw.

"It will be tough leaving my Air Force family over here in the AOR," he said. "I'll miss the fun times of watching our Airmen come to the AOR with such a mission-focused, 'let's get it done,' attitude, knowing they are directly contributing to the fight."

Chief Antwine, a 29-year veteran, said his days with the 386th were some of his best and proudest. Seeing Airmen conduct their missions with dedication and pride and receiving compliments on their performance from distinguished visitors and Soldiers filled him with pride. A week-long convoy he participated in with the Airmen of the 586th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron crystallized that for him when one of the Army company commanders escorting the convoy spoke to him about his Airmen.

"His words at the end summed up everything we know about our Airmen and what they bring to the fight," the Chief explained. "He said, 'Command Chief, you have a very disciplined and professional group of Airmen here. I've heard nothing but great things about these Air Force JET Airmen performing in such a disciplined and professional manner, but now I was able to see it first-hand. They're awesome. Thank you.' If this doesn't make you puff your chest out with pride, it's probably time for you to go do something else."

As Chief Antwine wraps up his assignment, he's been preparing to pass the baton to the next command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Douglas McIntyre.

"My final days are busy as I work to close as many projects and initiatives as I can so the incoming leadership will be able to enjoy the many previous accomplishments and set their vision on what's next," he said.

His time at The Rock has not been without challenges, and Chief Antwine said he'll take the lessons he's learned here with him to Shaw.

"I have come to realize that everyone who deploys is not always as prepared as they could be," he explained. "Overall, the home station tackles the big rocks, but it is often the small things that are overlooked or assumed that the deploying Airmen already know. I will take back the messages and share the stories and expectations with our garrison wing to make sure we are doing everything in our power to set up our deployers for success."

A graduate of Vicksburg High School, Chief Antwine said growing up in Mississippi helped set him up for success in his Air Force career, giving him an appreciation for hard work and education that he's carried with him for the last 29 years, culminating in the completion of his master's degree in strategic leadership, finance and military operations during his time with the 386th.

"I grew up with parents who expected me to always do my best and to work hard to be the best that you could possibly be," he said. "I grew up working with my father and learning early that hard work pays off. So when I joined the Air Force, I think my work ethic and drive to excel played a large part in me starting my career on a solid foundation 29 years ago."

Chief Antwine said he sees that same work ethic in the Airmen of the 386th and he encourages them to hold onto it.

"I am always so amazed at what we ask of today's Airmen, especially during the past eight years of high deployments," he said. "I would ask them to remain mission focused, continue those outstanding work ethics, positive and professional attitudes and know that what they do every day is very important. We would not be winning without each one of them and the specialty they are serving in. Thank you."

Chief Antwine will go on to serve his final year as the 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron superintendent at Shaw AFB, S.C. He relinquishes his position as wing command chief July 1.