Samuel O. Turner Airman Leadership School's new flight chief

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Todd Wivell
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  His uniform is pressed with a perfect crease running down his master sergeant stripes, his boots are highly shined with no blemishes, his hair cut is kept high and tight he portrays himself as a true Air Force professional and his actions will affect many Airmen. 

Master Sgt. Joey Parks, currently in his 21st year of service and a Senior Master Sgt. select, is the new flight chief of the Samuel O. Turner Airman Leadership School. Arriving here in March and coming from Altus Air Force Base, Okla., Master Sgt. Parks' enthusiasm about being the new flight chief is evident. 

"My prior instructor experiences started in 1995 and include law enforcement training at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.," Master Sgt. Parks said. "As an education and training manager, I taught the Air Force training course, known as 'Train the Trainer' and attended the College for Enlisted Professional Military Education Instructor course in January" 

When asked about his goals for the ALS here, Master Sgt. Parks said he four goals. "I want to maintain their Community College of the Air Force accreditation by exceeding ACC PME and College for Enlisted PME requirements. 

"I want to continue our mission despite the loss of an instructor position due to manning cuts. Our mission is vitality important and that is to prepare Senior Airmen to be professional, war-fighting Airmen who can supervise and lead Air Force work teams in the employment of air and space power. 

"I want the Airman we graduate to really understand what it means to wear our enlisted stripes. I think it is best summed up by looking at each letter in the word stripes and assign the following meaning:
S is for standards. AFI 36-2618 is the solid foundation for the stripes I wear.
T is for teamwork. Nothing is accomplished in the Air Force by one individual.
R is for Responsibility. I am responsible to my country and the Air Force.
I is for Integrity First. Foundation of trust and respect in everything I do.
P is for Professionalism. I am a part of the profession of arms.
E is for Excellence in all we do. 100% of my effort and myself.
S is for Service before self. It's not about me; it's about my country I serve.

"Finally, I have the privilege working with and leading an awesome team of dedicated instructors and I hope to have their talents recognized at Air Combat Command and Air Force levels. 

"I want to do this job because it will allow me to serve in a capacity to educate, influence and inspire across a wide range of Air Force specialties. With my varied background experience, I understand the challenges and the rewards of retraining and special duty positions. I hope to be able to articulate this to our Airmen." 

Master Sgt. Parks wanted to thank all those who are giving him the opportunity to serve here. "We must continue to develop and create a culture of flexible Airmen adaptable to evolving Air Force requirements, attending ALS is another step in making that happen."