Chiefs among Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  In a celebration at the Dakota's club here, Nov. 18, six Airmen were recognized for their selection to the rank of chief master sergeant.

Chief master sergeants are the ninth, and highest, enlisted rank in the Air Force - comprising only one percent of the total enlisted force structure.

"It's more than just the rank you wear on your sleeve," said Chief Master Sgt. Clifton Cole, 28th Bomb Wing command chief. "It's a chance to help more people and give something back to the Air Force."

Chief Cole, who retires Dec. 3 after 30 years of service, said this new generation of chiefs will have to face the challenges and opportunities of their position head on. As chiefs, they will be seen as key leaders in all levels of the Air Force - and must represent the very best qualities present in the Air Force.

"They will have the chance to take on more responsibilities and work at a different level than they are used to," Chief Cole said. "It's been an amazing experience, and one that I'll treasure for the rest of my life."

As the six senior master sergeants gathered to celebrate their accomplishments, and prepare to embark on this new experience, they realized something was missing. Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Moran, 37th Aircraft Maintenance Unit assistant superintendent, was not present to share in the occasion, having deployed Oct. 21. His wife, Joyce Moran, was invited to accept the selection on his behalf.

"He deserves it," Mrs. Moran said. "He's a very intelligent guy - quiet, but a deep thinker. He likes to figure things out in his head first. He's a very good man."

Mrs. Moran said her husband has served his country with pride and distinction for 25 years.

"He loves his country," she said. "Doing his duty is very important to him."

According to Senior Master Sgt. Bradley Johnson, 28th Maintenance Squadron superintendent and another chief select, a large part of doing his duty is recognizing the Airmen who helped him achieve this position.

"It wasn't me," he said. "It was them. All I did was point them in the right direction and they drove me there."

Sergeant Johnson said even though senior master sergeant is a high enlisted rank, there is a difference in the way people look at a chief.

"When you're a chief, people look and respond to you differently," he said. "You are much more scrutinized for your words and actions, and you need to rise to that challenge."