Tyndall welcomes new command chief

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kirsten Wicker
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Chief Master Sgt. Raymond DeVite, 325th Fighter Wing command chief took over duties as command chief from Chief Master Sgt. Jackie Green recently.

He arrives at Tyndall from the 47th Training Wing, Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, where he served as command chief.

"An assignment to Tyndall is like coming home," said DeVite. "I worked with [Brig.] Gen. [John] McMullen at the 90th [Aircraft Maintenance Unit] at [Joint Base] Elmendorf [Richardson], Alaska, and over the years working on F-15s [Eagles] and F-22s [Raptors] I've had the opportunity to get to know a few people, so I already see plenty of familiar faces around Tyndall."

DeVite hails from the small town of New Bedford, Penn., and is a Wilmington Area High School graduate. He played football and ran some track in high school, but joined the Air Force in 1986, looking for more adventure.

His quest for adventure was fulfilled when he was assigned to Soesterberg Air Base, Netherlands (now closed) in 1990. Later, in 2006, he went to Kunsan Air Base, Korea. He has served in various other assignments around the U.S. and has served on 10 deployments to the area of responsibility throughout his career.

"I did enjoy the adventure, but now patriotism is a big reason why I continue to stay in the Air Force," he said.

DeVite didn't neglect his education along the way. He holds a bachelor's degree in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a master's degree in business administration from Touro University International.

"I just want to help. No matter what you face, whether it's a family issue, work, or education... I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel, I just want to be here to help wherever I can," he said.

In addition to his many assignments, DeVite has several awards to his credit. Of note, in 2005 DeVite attended the U.S. Marine Corps Staff Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy Advanced Course at Camp Lejeune, N.C. There he earned the respect of his Marine Corps peers by receiving the Gung Ho Award - given by peers to the most motivated among them.

"I wanted to attend that course to challenge myself," said DeVite. "I have a lot of respect for what Marines do and I'm still close friends with a few from that class."

DeVite's leadership philosophy is simple: "I've experienced poor leadership as a young Airman. Even been in a situation with little to no support, in the pouring rain, and in the dark ... I swore I would work hard to take care of those below me who needed taking care of. It's been my credo ever since."

As the 325th FW progresses in the transition from Air Education and Training Command to Air Combat Command, DeVite says he is excited for the change.

"I hope the Airmen of Tyndall will now have a chance to contribute more directly to the fight," he said. "If there is a contribution we can make, I want Tyndall's Airmen to have the opportunity to participate."

DeVite credits his mentors, Air Force chiefs and senior master sergeants he has known over the years, with having a significant influence on his career, but says his parents top the list as the most influential and supportive individuals of his adventure.

"They gave me the work ethic and pushed me when I wanted to quit," said the chief.

When he's not earning Marine Corps awards or taking care of Tyndall's Airmen, he enjoys running and being outdoors with his wife, Karen, of South Bend, Ind., and two children Dalton, five and Delaney, four.

"We're excited to get out and do some boating, fishing or camping," said DeVite. "This is a beautiful place for it."

As new command chief, his first piece of advice to Tyndall's Airmen is straightforward: "Get your off-duty education, get involved in the community and build on your skill sets. It will serve you well."

"I have no personal agenda," he added. "I just want to help. The best thing about being a chief is fixing broken things ... moving big rocks out of the way for all our Airmen."