An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Retired CMSAF visits Tyndall

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
  • 325 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The ninth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force paid a special visit to Tyndall Air Force Base Feb. 18 as the guest speaker for the Airey NCO Academy graduation.

Chief James C. Binnicker served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1990 and since retiring has taken on the role of president and CEO of the Air Force Enlisted Village.

"I love it," said Chief Binnicker. "I will be 72 in July and I have finally found my niche in life. It is an awesome feeling to have that labor of love so late in life. Most people never achieve pure happiness in a job ... I have."

The Enlisted Village, founded in 1967, is located in Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. and is home to several hundred widows and widowers of prior Air Force servicemembers.

"It is a really interesting place," said Chief Binnicker. "Many of the residents are what we used to call 'war brides.' During the war the men would go overseas and fall in love and get married. We have spouses from every country the Air Force has ever fought in, and their stories are amazing."

During his own career in the Air Force, Chief Binnicker said taking on the role of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force was the most fulfilling job, even after working closely on a board with President Carter.

"Working for the president was a great honor," said Chief Binnicker. "But as the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, you have a bigger impact on the total force and those things that effect Airmen and their families."

Chief Binnicker holds Airmen close to his heart and has one simple piece of advice for them.

"Understand what your job is and be the best at what you do," said Chief Binnicker. "I always tell people there are no unimportant jobs in the Air Force."

When Chief Binnicker is not busy at work, he enjoys golf and reading.

"I read a lot of history books," said Chief Binnicker. "But, I think every now and again you ought to read a trashy novel to clear your mind."

The Chief passed on a clear message to the students at the NCO academy graduation.

Airey NCO Academy Commandant Chief Master Sgt. Malcom McVicar agreed his visit was a success.

"Although the Chief retired 20 years ago, he remains engaged with the Air Force today and stays informed on the issues affecting our Airman," said Chief McVicar. "As he did while in office, he holds the enlisted force high and requires us to maintain excellence in everything we do."