Air Force announces 417 new chiefs, Ellsworth's home to 4

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kimberly Limrick
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
The Air Force's newest chiefs were selected after an evaluation board reviewed individual records of all eligible senior master sergeants Oct. 10 through 19 the at Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. 

Of the 2,475 eligible seniors, 417 were selected to put on the highest enlisted rank; four of those selected are stationed here at Ellsworth. 

Senior Master Sgts. Jeffery Lindsey, DeWayne Colston, Robert Cronan and Timothy Bolon were surprised early Wednesday morning by a bus-load of more than 30 senior non-commissioned officers and commanders. The full bus traveled to each of the new chief's offices to congratulate them. 

The bus' first stop was at 28th Civil Engineer Squadron to congratulate Sergeant Cronan. A bit in shock, he admitted, "I'm a little nervous," and simply thanked everyone for their help and support. 

To fool Sergeant Bolon who is also 28th CES, The group loaded back onto the bus and headed to 28th Maintenance Operations Squadron to congratulate Sergeant Colston.
Sergeant Colston said, "This is very much a surprise," And continued by thanking everyone present and the 34th Bomb Squadron for all their support. 

After many hand shakes it was back on the bus and back to 28th Civil Engineer Squadron to congratulate Sergeant Bolon. Many laughs, hugs and hand shakes later, sergeant Bolon announced he was on his way out the door to go thank his family. 

The last stop was 28th Maintenance Squadron to congratulate Sergeant Lindsey, whose wife, Senior Master Sgt. Bionca Lindsey happened to be on the bus.
After a celebratory hug with his wife, Sergeant Lindsey said, "I'm grateful. It was a lot of hard work and a lot of support from everyone throughout the years." 

All that hard work was certainly recognized in the scoring process. 

The average score for the senior master sergeants selected to put on chief was 670.73, with an average time in grade of 3.03 years and time in service of 22.81 years. The average score was based on the following point averages: 

135 for enlisted performance reports;
25.18 for time in grade;
23.45 for time in service;
24.29 for decorations;
68.94 for the Air Force supervisory examination;
393.87 for the evaluation board score. 

For more information on the promotion process, call military personnel flight at 385-2427.