Tyndall Top 3 Hosts Annual Senior NCO Induction Ceremony

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Cameron Johnson
  • Airey NCO Academy
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  As we prepare to induct this year's master sergeant selects into the Senior non-commissioned officer ranks, it only seems fitting that we pay homage to one of our enlisted forefathers. On March 11, we suffered a tremendous loss when Paul W. Airey, the first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force passed away. 

Chief Airey worked fervently as an advocate for the enlisted force. After assuming his position as Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Chief Airey recognized a serious problem with retention and worked with a team of Air Force specialists to help produce the Weighted Airman Promotion System, a system still in effect today. While he held his position he worked tirelessly to establish an Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy which received approval two years after he left office. Chief Airey was instrumental in the establishment of credit unions at U.S. bases in Europe. That was just a sliver of the accomplishments and impact that Chief Airey had on the Air Force and its enlisted force. Chief Airey's true legacy is the professional enlisted force that we have today. 

Current and soon-to-be Senior NCOs must continue to strive to advance the enlisted force like our first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force did so many years ago. Do not grow stagnant or become satisfied with mediocrity from yourself or those around you. Meet challenges head on while always displaying Integrity, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All You Do. Furthermore, do not ever do anything to bring discredit to the stripes that you wear on your sleeve or those who have gone before you. 

Selects, now is the time to embrace your call to lead, accept this responsibility and perform your duty in such a manner that would make Chief Airey proud. This year, Brig. Gen. Darryl Roberson, 325th Fighter Wing commander, will host the 12th Annual Senior NCO Induction ceremony to recognize the accomplishments of more than 75 NCOs selected for promotion to Master Sergeant during the 2009 cycle. The ceremony, sponsored by the Tyndall Top 3, will be held at 6 p.m. on Sept. 25 at the Edgewater Resort on Panama City Beach. Please contact your unit POC or Top 3 member for details and reservations.