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The new Chief Master Sergeants were asked what milestone have they overcome in their Air Force careers and some advice for their Airmen at Ramstein Air Base, June 10.
Biggest Career Obstacle:
For me, my entire career was a series of milestones and each one of them had challenges that I had to overcome. As I reflect back on those milestones, there is no specific milestone that was more important, or carried a higher level of significance for me. They all had to happen, which has made me the leader I am today. I feel the most important thing to consider is learning how to see hurdles as opportunities and not be scared of failing (because you will fail). Failing means you are willing to grow.
Advice for Airmen:
One piece of advice I would give Airmen is to set goals and share them with your family and your leadership. You will need the support of both teams to break down barriers, as well as pick you back up when you have setbacks.
— CMSgt. Valerie Moore, 86 AW
Biggest Career Obstacle:
Family separation has pushed me to the point where I considered leaving the Air Force on a few occasions. My wife kept reminding me of my “why” and that kept me moving forward.
Advice for Airmen:
Always challenge your leadership team as they work for you more than you’ll ever work for them.
— SMSgt. Jason McNabb, 86 CES
Biggest Career Obstacle:
You have to overcome worrying about things that you can’t control. Put that energy and those thoughts towards exceeding all expectations and making yourself better.
Advice for Airmen:
My advice would be to take advantage of opportunities the first time they present themselves because they might not appear again. Be bold and step outside of your comfort zone as much as possible.
— CMSgt. Lamar Issac, 603 AOC
Biggest Career Obstacle:
The largest milestone for me was when I was a SSgt and I received the first random email from a former Airman that I met years prior. I honestly didn’t remember him immediately, but he explained that although he wasn’t the best Airman at the time and was separating, the few days I spent with him assisted his focus to become a teacher as opposed to resorting to his old ways in his community. This made me realize first hand that I have the power to steer people onto the right path, and that my actions and words really do matter.
Advice for Airmen:
Concentrate your efforts on what you believe in and what is right as opposed to what the people around you are doing.
— SMSgt. David Janes, 86 LRS
Biggest Career Obstacle:
The only hurdles I’ve experienced in my career revolve around finding the right balance between mission execution and family! Too often I sacrificed meaningful moments with loved ones because of a self-imposed perception that working 70 hours a week was the expectation… it’s not!
Advice for Airmen:
My advice is to always train a replacement to ensure you aren’t the only one with the answer, and build your team so that the mission happens without you. Most importantly remember you work for your people, not the other way around, so take care of them, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually and the mission will happen!
— SMSgt. Bryan Bennett, 721 AMXS
Biggest Career Obstacles:
20 years of marriage and the most amazing son!
Completing my personal educational goals!
Becoming a SNCO and ultimately being selected for Chief!
Advice for Airmen:
Always be kind!
Create personal and professional goals, keep focused and accountable!
Do you! Be authentic.
— SMSgt. Carrie Ezell, usage/a1
Biggest Career Obstacle:
Forcing myself to be uncomfortable in order to overcome my fears. When I was nervous about public speaking, I cross-trained to become an instructor. When I was nervous about my ability to lead Security Forces conducting outside the wire patrols in Afghanistan, I volunteered for U.S. Army Ranger School. I attempt to build confidence by going head first into what makes me uneasy, and that has helped me overcome most of my challenges throughout my career.
Advice for Airmen:
Each day we put on our uniforms, we should reflect on our purpose and motivations to be in the Air Force. Our country could call on us at any time and we should strive to be mentally ready, physically fit, and an expert at our core duties every day. If we do these things, we set the example for those around us and build a better team, organization, and Air Force ready to meet our nation’s challenges.
— CMSgt. Richard Holder, 435 SFS
