19th Air Force Command Chief visits Tyndall Published Oct. 1, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 19th Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant visited Tyndall Air Force Base Sept. 25, as the guest speaker for the senior NCO induction ceremony. Chief Master Sgt. Bernise Belcer said by sharing with the Senior NCO Academy students, she hopes to instill the confidence they need to go out and be effective leaders. "I hope I can impart some words of wisdom to encourage them to make a difference in the lives of the Airmen they are entrusted with," said Chief Belcer. Chief Belcer has been in her current position as the 19th AF Command Chief for 11 months and immensely enjoys it. "I love what I am doing and it's why I am still around," said Chief Belcer. "You stay as long as it is fun and enjoy what you are doing. It has been very rewarding for me." Chief Belcer has been a member of the United States Air Force for almost 27 years and plans to make it at least to the 30 year-mark before retirement. "I would like to retire to Columbia, S.C., where I am from," said Chief Belcer. "I want to be near the military and close to my roots." As a Command Chief, she said her biggest priority is to take care of the Airmen of 19th Air Force. "I love helping people," said Chief Belcer. "By coming out to other bases, I get to hear the issues and concerns they have. Then, in my capacity, I can go right back to Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, and go to the Air Education and Training Command staff or Air Force Personnel Center, or wherever I need to to help people." The Chief said she also tries to stay on the pulse of issues going on in the Air Force so when she is traveling from base to base she can talk to Airmen about what is affecting Air Force life. For a lot of Airmen, the benefits that come with being a member of the Air Force have a huge impact on their career. The Air Force has started a campaign called Year of the Air Force Family, which began July 2009 and runs until July 2010. In it, the Air Force is taking a closer look at different ways to improve benefits for servicemembers and their families. "I look at it like this: If your family is not happy, then that takes away from you being able to complete the mission," said Chief Belcer. She said the Year of the Air Force Family is just one way the Air Force can put a pinpoint on doing things better and improving family programs already in place. Another high visibility topic she is informing Airmen of is the new physical training standards, which will be implemented in January 2010. "This will just be another way for people to embrace fitness as a way of life," said Chief Belcer. "The PT standards can ensure Airmen stay 'fit to fight' for the duration of their careers." While here, she also took time to share her views on Air Force issues during a luncheon with select Airmen from the 325th Fighter Wing. During the Chief's lunch, she spent a lot of time listening to and answering questions. Some of the issues addressed were: taking advantage of a free education, lower manning in certain career fields, working with civilians, and learning to enjoy your job. "Find a way to have fun and ways to de-stress," said Chief Belcer. "If there is no laughter in the work place, there is a problem." Following the lunch, Chief Belcer shook hands with every Airman and thanked them for coming. She said she is unsure of what her future holds, but she does know that if it's a Chief's job, she knows it will be good.