Congratulations to the new Chief Selects

Published Nov. 15, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Alex Echols
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Five Senior Master Sergeants from Tyndall were selected for promotion to Chief Master Sergeant Nov. 14. They join the ranks of close to 40 Team Tyndall Chiefs.

"I am very pleased to see such a high energy bunch of Chief selects that have one focus: making life better for Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Ray Devite, 325th Fighter Wing command chief. "I am confident these five Chiefs will make a positive impact on our Air Force.

The following are now part of the one percent of the enlisted force that makes up the Air Force's Chief Master Sergeants:

Senior Master Sgt. Jose M. Alvarez, 16th Electronic Weapons Squadron

"I had lots of help along the way from many supervisors, first sergeants, chiefs, commanders and of course, the great men and women who I had the pleasure to work with throughout the years," Alvarez said. "You definitely don't get to this level on your own, and they certainly made the difference. Of course, nothing is ever accomplished without the support of friends and family members. Thank you, everyone!"

Alvarez looks forward to his continued growth as an Airman and getting the chance to see how the Air Force functions on a strategic level.

"To me, it's a great honor and privilege to be able to represent the enlisted force as the top 1 percent and for the opportunity to continue to lead, mold, and mentor the future of our force. I like to see people grow and succeed in our Air Force," Alvarez said.

Senior Master Sgt. Martin A. Barr, 325th Force Support Squadron

Barr is excited about the opportunities to lead many more Airmen this promotion generates.

"I plan to help and teach people how to balance their personal and professional goals while accomplishing the mission and giving back to the Air Force," Barr said.

His wife, Master Sgt. Alicia Barr, is one of the biggest contributing factors to his success, Barr said.

"My wife is the very best Wingman anyone could hope for, and I would not have made it this far without her," Barr said.

Senior Master Sgt. Abel Ochoa, 1st Air Force

"The Air Force is a profession with diverse people and issues. I want to lead our people to see this profession as Chief Master Sgt. Richard A. Parsons, Air Combat Command command chief said, 'a calling versus a career'; to have commitment versus compliance to standards; and to be a leader of influence," Ochoa said.

The Chief Select attributes many people to his success, but a few specifically.

"To retired Brig. Gen. Robert Beletic, Lt. Col. Susan Santos, retired Lt. Col. Cliff Rich, retired Chief Master Sgt. Richard Kopp and Mr. Gregorio Delgado: Thank you for believing in me," Ochoa said. "To the Airmen I have had the privilege working with and those to come: Leave the Air Force better than when you came in."

Senior Master Sgt. Daniel L. Thompson, 325th FSS

"I am now able to serve my country, Air Force and profession on a larger scale," Thompson said. "The Air Force gave this country boy a better life. It provided a means to grow and learn in a secure environment. This milestone allows me the honor of continuing to pay it back."

Thompson had many supporters along his way to becoming Chief.

"To my dad and hero: Thank you for teaching me to be a man and that leadership means taking care of your people. To my wife, Jessica: Thank you for showing me all the colors and providing me with a true definition of purpose. You changed everything! To my mentors and leaders: Thank you for your faith and guidance when I was undeserving and possessed neither. To every Airman, Soldier, Shipmate and Marine who touched my career: Thank you for teaching me more than I ever did you. I shall do my best to represent you well," Thompson said.

Senior Master Sgt. Gary R. Szekely, Det 1 823rd RED HORSE

"It is very humbling," Szekely said. "It culminates the hard work, dedication and leadership of people, past and present, who I have had the privilege of serving with through the years. I will be very proud to be a Chief and be that representative of all their time, effort and accomplishments."

This Chief Select plans to help develop his Airmen by providing the mentorship, leadership and empathy to make everyone part of a team.

"Thank you," Szekely said. "The Chief promotion is not something earned by any one individual. I would not be in this position if you did not devote your time and energy to accomplishing the task at hand. Continue to work hard, chase your goals and dreams and continue being the best you can be."