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86th Airlift Wing leadership congratulated some of the Air Force’s newest chief master sergeants Dec. 6 on Ramstein Air Base. The chief-selects didn’t know they made the grade, and were delightfully surprised when the installation commander and command chief greeted them with their certificate of selection.
Brig. Gen. Richard G. Moore Jr., 86th AW commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Aaron Bennett, 86th AW command chief, worked with officials from around Ramstein to break the news to the wing’s chief-selects.
The early holiday surprise evoked a variety of emotions from the recipients. Some cried, a few laughed, while others simply smiled and expressed gratitude.
Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Stellabotte, 86th Dental Squadron dental operations superintendent, said he feels ready to take on the new challenges which come with his rank. He felt grateful for his achievement, and said his new rank will give him more opportunities to serve his Airmen.
“I feel I now have a higher platform to ensure I am taking care of the people and I can continue to learn and give back,” he said. “I can honestly say now I can concentrate on my Airmen even more. I am big on personal and professional development, so that will continue to be a priority of mine. I want to learn from the current chiefs and use their knowledge to make me a better leader.”
Chief master sergeant, which corresponds with the pay grade of E-9, is the highest enlisted rank an Airman can attain. Only a small percentage of those in the Air Force’s enlisted corps become chiefs.
According to Air Force Instruction 36-2618, chief is charged with serving as “key leaders at all levels in the Air Force.”
Stellabotte listed various traits which he believes a leader must have: humility, courage, fairness, decisiveness, and open-mindedness.
“I believe that leadership is an evolutionary process and we are always learning how to be a better leader,” he said. Leaders must be unselfish and willing to make the tough decisions. A good leadership philosophy that is communicated to the lowest level will help the Airmen understand where he or she fits into the big picture. Once they have the buy-in to the philosophy, they are more willing and motivated to provide the best service to our customers.”
