Sheppard recognizes new chief at ceremony

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Corbin
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  By federal law, only 1 percent of the total enlisted force may carry the rank of chief master sergeant.

This past cycle, 2,475 senior master sergeants were considered for promotion to chief.

Chief Master Sgt. Richard Price, 360th Training Squadron, was one of only 417 of those, and the Sheppard Chiefs Group got together April 13 to welcome their own into the fold.

"The event was first class," Chief Price said. "It was very memorable for me and my family."

The night abounded with calls of "hey chief" and "thanks chief" as Sheppard's current chiefs came out to show their support of their new member.

"The annual Sheppard Air Force Base's Chief's Recognition Ceremony is an extension of the promotion ceremony to recognize those who have been selected to the rank of chief master sergeant," said Chief Master Sgt. Danny Smith, 373rd Training Squadron superintendent.

"The event not only celebrated Chief Price's accomplishments that earned him the promotion, but also formally acknowledged the significance of his advancement to the top one percent of all enlisted grades and the responsibilities that go along with it," he said.

The night opened up with a medal presentation and introduction from the general.

"It's hard to wrap up what it means to be a chief," said Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux, 82nd Training Wing commander. "Everyone looks to a chief as someone who knows everything about everything. They are the ultimate representation of service before self."

The general's words were echoed by all who spoke at the event, with the focus on the meaning of being a chief.

"It's all about giving back," said guest speaker Chief Master Sgt. Troy Engholm. "Taking care of and mentoring our Airmen so they can one day be chief master sergeants."

Chief Engholm went on to say that there are six things that make a good chief: integrity, loyalty, commitment, enthusiasm, decisiveness and unselfishness.

For Chief Price, being a chief is just that, helping out others.

"It's hard to put into words," he said. "Being in a better position to assist others to be the best they can be."

Chief Master Sgt. Jeannie McLean, 82nd TRW command chief, had one more thing to add to the list: humor.

"If you'd have been here at the rehearsal, you would've seen it," she said. "A group of chiefs can't agree on anything. I think it took us 30 minutes to decide to start.

"A sense of humor is mandatory with all these stripes."

The Chief Master Sergeant Recognition Ceremony is held every year to welcome the newest members of the senior enlisted rank.

The first chiefs pinned on their stripes in December 1959, after the passing of the Military Pay Act of 1958, which created the ranks of E-8 and E-9. The names of the ranks were not decided then.

Eventually though, senior master sergeant and chief master sergeant were chosen, giving air to the familiar names of the Air Force's top noncommissioned officers.