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“My mom passed away the day she was supposed to come home from the hospital,” said Staff Sgt. Chaunce Foster, 603rd Air and Space Communications Squadron job control NCOIC.
Though her ovarian cancer seemed to be in remission, Albetta Foster’s unexpected passing just a month before Sergeant Foster’s senior year of high school turned his life in a new direction. Already an only child being raised by a single parent, things proved to be much harder than expected at an early age.
Ten years later, he’s not only overcome losing his role model and mentor, but has become one himself. As a member of the Kaiserslautern African American Heritage Committee, Sergeant Foster demonstrates how African American Heritage applies to everyone.
During February, recognized as African-American Heritage or Black History month, this is even more important. In the 1920s, teacher, historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson felt if African-Americans were to take their rightful place in society, Americans needed to learn about African-American contributions to American history and culture. In 1926, he launched the first Black History Week.
“I think it’s important to celebrate Black History Month because we need to know where we’ve been as a country to know where we’re going,” Sergeant Foster said.
It is this attitude that has helped the sergeant persevere and become the successful Airman he is today – enabling him to draw parallels between his personal struggles and those in African American history.
Despite a challenging upbringing and a devastating senior year, Sergeant Foster went on to attend Wilmington College, a small school an hour outside his hometown of Dayton, Ohio. But after two years, he had to take a break from
college in order to earn enough money to continue his education. After his break, he faced a tough decision.
“I wanted to finish school somewhere else,” Sergeant Foster said. “I take after my mom, because she always loved to travel. But school was still very expensive and I noticed my friends with degrees were having trouble finding jobs.”
With the job security and benefits the Air Force provided, along with the chance to see the world, Sergeant Foster made the decision to join the military. As a brand new Airman, Sergeant Foster quickly demonstrated his willingness to go above and beyond by joining the Air Force Honor Guard.
“My grandfather served in the Army and I remember my mother brought home the flag that was presented at his funeral,” Sergeant Foster said. “I was curious about it ever since … I feel like I owe it to my mom in some way to be on the Honor Guard.”
Although joining the Honor Guard was one of the first ways he chose to give back, it wouldn’t be the last. Most recently, another opportunity presented itself through joining the Kaiserslautern African American Heritage Committee.
“I’m so thankful we’re given this chance in the military to create organizations like this,” he said. “You wouldn’t find this kind of encouragement with a civilian company. I feel like all kinds of groups have the chance to be recognized.”
He’s also found the military has added to his perspective on his background.
“Joining the military opened my eyes and made me really appreciate my heritage,” Sergeant Foster said. “The Air Force is so diverse and there are so many different backgrounds you encounter. I feel like there is so much to learn from everyone.”
And while everyone has their own unique backgrounds and differences, Sergeant Foster finds ways in his shop to bring everyone together. Some even call him “The Morale Monster.”
“He’s always finding ways to plan events for everyone to get together and have a good time,” said Sergeant Foster’s supervisor Master Sgt. Anthony Otts, 603rd ACOMS. “He’s a great role model, has dedicated work ethic and always brings a positive attitude to everyone around him.”
Now a trainer to Airmen on the honor guard, Sergeant Foster is again looking to lead in another capacity by submitting his package to become an Airman Leadership School instructor.
“I feel like I am a role model for African American Airmen, but I always try to be a role model for everyone,” Sergeant Foster said. “My Airmen give me fuel. If I can impact one today, I want to impact two more tomorrow.”
