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Former Chief, Active Mentor

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The eighth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Sam Parish, came to Tyndall to mentor the Paul Airey NCO Academy class 14-1 Dec. 5 at the NCOA auditorium.

Parish served as the CMSAF from 1983 to 1986. Since then, he has been traveling around the Air Force giving speeches to generations of future Airmen leaders.

"Be the best that you can be at whatever you're doing," said Parish. "Give it 100 percent."

Parish spoke to the NCO's about putting integrity first in all you do, and his career as a former CMSAF.

"Anytime the students have the opportunity to hear from any CMSAF greatly benefits them," said Master Sgt. Denise Taylor, NCOA communications superintendent. "They all take something away from the message, and as far as CMSAF Parish, the message was loud and clear, always have integrity and tell it like it is."

Parish told his story of becoming the CMSAF and his fight to establish the John Levitow Award at each level of professional military education.

"The main goal is not to necessarily win at what you do, but to take care of people around you and grow individual's character so they can become a stronger part of the team," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Holladay, 11th Intelligence Squadron imagery analyst at Hurlburt Field, Fla., and NCOA student.

Just because somebody doesn't know your name doesn't mean you can't still get out and make a name for yourself, said Parish.

"As a NCO you can have a big impact on the Air Force and Airmen around you," said Tech. Sgt. Hector Rodriguez, 45th Space Wing paralegal at Patrick AFB, Fla., and student at the NCOA. "Think of the Air Force as your Air Force and do whatever it takes to make a difference. Take ownership of what you do and what you can do."

He is definitely well versed in his knowledge and knows how to talk to the audience, said Holladay.

"CMSAF Parish did an outstanding job speaking on the importance of being a leader and following our first core value of integrity first," said Taylor. "Regardless of what we may see others doing or what we have done in the past, we need to remember to always do the right thing when no one is looking."