Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy talks with maintainers from the 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit Dec. 28, 2010, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Chief Roy visited a hardened aircraft shelter with Col. Michael Rothstein, the 35th Fighter Wing commander, to get an up-close look at the mission of the 35th Fighter Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)
Tech. Sgt. Jarid Morris (right, pointing) identifies parts of an F-16 Fighting Falcon for Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy (left, pointing) Dec. 28, 2010, in a hardened aircraft shelter at Misawa Air Base, Japan. At the end of the visit, Chief Roy gave Sergeant Morris a challenge coin for his hard work. Sergeant Morris is an avionics technician with the 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy shakes hands with Airman 1st Class Devin Pellerin Dec. 28, 2010, during a visit to the flightline at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Chief Roy visited a hardened aircraft shelter to meet the maintainers of the 35th Fighter Wing. Airman Pellerin is a 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron precision guided munitions crewmember. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy talks to the Airmen of the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Dec. 28, 2010, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Chief Roy answered questions about challenges faced by Airmen in today's Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy shakes hands with Col. Michael Rothstein Dec. 29, 2010, before boarding a C-12 Huron at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Chief Roy became chief master sergeant of the Air Force in June 2009, and visited Misawa AB to meet and learn about the Airmen of the 35th Fighter Wing. Colonel Rothstein is the 35th Fighter Wing commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)
by Airman James B. Bauer
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
1/3/2011 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- The 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited here Dec. 28 through Dec. 29, as part of a tour of several installations within the Pacific Air Forces.
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy met with Airmen at their duty sections, which culminated in an enlisted call where he discussed issues and concerns of Airmen and their families.
"Our enlisted force of today is not like it's ever been," Chief Roy said. "We are operating in more joint-coalition operations. Making sure our Airmen are trained properly for that environment is our primary goal."
Chief Roy, an advocate of higher education, earned a Master of Science degree during his career. During the enlisted call, Chief Roy spoke about the importance of education and resiliency.
"I encourage each Airman to seek out more education," Chief Roy said. "I also encourage family members to take advantage of the opportunities available to further their own education, too."
Chief Roy explained the benefits of Airmen furthering their education, for both the Air Force and their families.
"His speech was inspiring," said Airman Jared C. Singer, of the 35th Contracting Squadron. "I'm now motivated to seek out extra training and further my education."
In addition to education, Chief Roy focused on resiliency by talking about how Airmen are given the tools necessary to handle tough situations.
Because many Airmen and their families have been affected by the financial downturn, he said Air Force officials want to ensure Airmen have financial management education to help them learn to live within their means.
Chief Roy also spoke about the importance of the relationship between the U.S. and Japan.
"It is the personal relationships that service members have with their host nation that make it as strong as it is," Chief Roy said. "I encourage each and every one of you, families included, to get out there in those communities and get to know the great people of Japan."
Since the Air Force is still engaged in combat operations, Chief Roy said Airmen must remain steady at what they are doing.
"The U.S. Air Force is here, prepared and ready," Chief Roy said. "Our Airmen are prepared, and our families are prepared to support them as well. I would just like to say thank you to all of the men and woman across this great base, and to our great joint partners who we work with here every day. It really is a team here at Misawa (Air Base)."
