Excellence: "just beyond our grasp" Published Feb. 22, 2011 By Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- With the striking of chimes, six Airmen were welcomed into an organization comprised of the top 1 percent of enlisted Airmen in the U.S. Air Force, during a ceremony at Dakota's Club, Feb. 17. The following Airmen, all selected as chief master sergeants, were included in the Ellsworth chief's group, which represents the 23 chiefs currently assigned to the base: Chief Master Sgt. Edward Hock Air Force Financial Services Center first sergeant Chief Master Sgt. Ronnie Fischer 28th Munitions Squadron production superintendent Chief Master Sgt. Bradley Johnson 28th Maintenance Group quality assurance superintendent Senior Master Sgt. Gregory Todd currently deployed 37th Aircraft Maintenance Unit superintendent Senior Master Sgt. John McCarthy 28th Maintenance Operations Squadron superintendent Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Moran currently deployed 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit superintendent Chief Hock said he never expected to rise to this level. "I never thought I would be a chief," he said. "I was always focused on working very hard, learning as much as I could and earning that next stripe. I'm here because of that hard work, the support I received from family, friends and co-workers and a little bit of luck." He said his career dynamic has now shifted. There are no more stripes to earn, so his focus can be entirely dedicated on developing Airmen and finding answers to their problems. Achieving the rank of chief means all one's work and efforts can and must be directed toward others, he added. "Congratulations on this milestone career achievement," said retired Chief Master Sgt. William Eldridge, former 28th Bomb Wing senior enlisted advisor and guest speaker for the event. "Now that you're chiefs, you have all the answers." Chief Eldridge joked that while chief master sergeants may seem to know everything, the truth is - chiefs should always be asking questions - both of others, and themselves. He encouraged the three new chiefs, and three chief selects, to ask themselves a few key questions every day. "Question what you observe," he said. "What causes changes and problems? What can you do to tighten those things down? No officer should ever have to ask a chief a question to solve a problem. We should ask all the questions and find the answers for them." He said commanders rely on chiefs to further the wing mission and achieve excellence. However, Chief Eldridge posed the question, "Can excellence ever really be achieved?" "Excellence is just beyond our grasp," he said. "She is elusive and she is cunning. But, should we ever stop chasing her? No." Chief Eldridge said chiefs and Airmen alike should never be satisfied with reaching a goal, but always continue to push forward and set new goals. He impressed upon the new chiefs that their job is never-ending and that they are in the business of trying to be perfect. "Anything less lets our country down," he said. But, Chief Eldridge who cautioned despite their many years of Air Force experience and wisdom, chiefs must always demonstrate humility. "To be a true chief you must be a servant," he said. "You must be an honorable servant to your country, a servant with the utmost integrity to your Airmen and a humble servant to yourself."