Space Coast honors newest chiefs

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mike Means
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Cody made a special visit to the Space Coast to welcome nine Airmen to the rank of chief master sergeant at a ceremony in Cocoa Beach, March 6.

"When you look at your stripes be proud of them.  Becoming a chief doesn't happen overnight," Cody said. "You are here because of the support of your loved ones that have supported you along the way."

Cody expressed to the new chiefs that this is a lifetime commitment and as they continue to lead in the Air Force, they cannot forget they didn't accomplish this on their own.

"You are blessed to have young Airmen who are motivated and dedicated," he said. "They want to be here and have a passion to do what we do for our nation. You have the privilege, the honor and the ultimate responsibility of leading them as chief master sergeants."

Chiefs have great influence, and with that comes great responsibility, he said.
"Use it wisely and use it to the advancement of our Air Force, our Airmen and their families," said Cody. "Show our Airman that you care; be purposeful in supporting and leading the men and women that serve with you."

Cody asked everyone at the recognition ceremony to reflect and think about the Air Force and how the enlisted force for has evolved.

"Our Air Force is what it is today because of the Airmen before us," he said. "Now it is our job to make it a better Air Force for the airmen who come after us."

After sharing his knowledge, he thanked the Airmen and their families for their continued commitment.

Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith, 45th Space Wing Commander, closed by offering praise and encouragement to the new chiefs, all those involved in the ceremony, mission partners and Cody.

"Thank you for all that you've given to get to this point but more so what you are going to give back to our Airmen in the future," Monteith said. "That's why you have been given that extra chevron."

Honorees:
Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Ball, 45th Space Communications Squadron
Chief Master Sgt. Stacie Moore, 920th Security Forces Squadron
Chief Master Sgt. Shane Smith, 920th Operations Group
Chief Master Sgt. Galen Zalace, 45th Civil Engineer Squadron
Chief Master Sgt. William Barnett, Air Force Technical Applications Center
Senior Master Sgt. April Brittain, National Reconnaissance Office
Senior Master Sgt. Dominic Dumbra, Air Force Technical Applications Center
Senior Master Sgt. Kashanda Lamoureux, Air Force Technical Applications Center
Senior Master Sgt. Michael Worden, National Reconnaissance Office

 

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