Chief master sergeant of the Air Force visits Tyndall

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th FIghter Wing Public Affaris
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited Tyndall March 16 and 17 to tour the installation for the first time.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy discussed the top three traits he thinks every enlisted member should strive to develop in order to be an effective leader.

"First, you have to be the best Airman you can be in your career field," said Chief Roy. "Second, you need to understand the mission from the wing to your individual shop, and third, you have to be a team player."

Chief Roy said his priorities as chief master sergeant of the Air Force run in line with the Air Force priorities.

"The deliberate development of our Airmen of the future is very important," said Chief Roy. "We have to take those experiences that people are receiving today, and couple that with training and education."

And nowhere is training and educating of the future force more important than at the 325th Fighter Wing.

"With the 325th Fighter Wing, the training mission, and all the other agencies and units here, it's a very exciting mission," Chief Roy said. "I found that the Airmen are very focused and professional."

Chief Roy pointed out that his visit to the 325th Security Forces Squadron was one of the highlights.

"There is no doubt in my mind why they are the best (medium size) security forces unit of the year," said Chief Roy. "Some of the things they are doing, like taking care of their defenders and their families, are just simply amazing."

For Chief Roy, family is a top priority.

"I try to spend as much time as I can with my twin sons and my bride of only 27 years, Mrs. Paula," said Chief Roy. "It is important for me that we continue to communicate and let them kind of share in this because even after I am Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, I will still have my family."

But beyond family, Chief Roy also emphasizes the importance of taking care of each other as Airmen.

"We have a very good wingman program," said Chief Roy. "Unfortunately, we have had an increase in suicides so; we need to bring back what the wingman program is all about. We need to make sure we are absolute in our intentions and that people are looking out for each other."