Top enlisted Airman visits Nellis

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Charles
  • 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) --  Chief Roy explained his belief that the three things that develop Airmen are training, education and experiences.

"One of the most important jobs of the Air Force is the training of our future leaders of the Air Force," Chief Roy said.

He said on-the-job training is an important step in preparing Airmen to excel in their career field. He encouraged the future staff sergeants in the class to properly train Airmen and become responsible as supervisors. He also talked about the education opportunities that would be open to them and how every task they accomplish helps make them a more well-rounded Airman.

While taking time to interact with junior enlisted members, Chief Roy visited the Samek Airman Center, where the he was escorted by Nellis AFB Airmen Committed to Excellence council members. The ACE council is a private organization that provides a forum for junior Airmen to voice quality of life issues, ideas, problems and suggestions through the proper chain of command.

Chief Roy recognized Airman 1st Class Rachael Crepeau, a personnelist assigned to the 99th Force Support Squadron, for her contribution to the Airmen Against Drunk Driving program.

"I was surprised to be recognized by Chief Roy," Airman Crepeau said. "At AADD, we just try to make sure that our fellow wingmen can have fun and have a reliable source to fall back on. I am just one of the many people that make this program successful, and having leadership as high as Chief Roy recognize the importance of having such a program makes it worthwhile."

Chief Roy also received a briefing at the 98th Range Wing about the Nevada Test and Training Range and its importance to the priority of partnering with joint and coalition teams. The Nevada Test and Training range is 2.9 million acres of land dedicated to Air Force, joint and coalition training exercises.

"Partnering with our fellow services and allied militaries is one of the most important steps in being successful in our overseas contingency operations," Chief Roy said. "Giving our Airmen the training necessary to adapt to the obstacles in communication that may be associated with working with a different service or an allied nation helps us better accomplish any mission in an urban or open environment. With the experience that the NTTR provides, we are giving our Airmen the tools they need to succeed."

For lunch, Chief Roy was dined with 15 NCOs. At the lunch, he discussed issues ranging from the new deployment tempo in joint conditions to the issues affecting Air Force families to being a good senior NCO and wingman.

"The role of a supervisor doesn't end after duty hours," Chief Roy said. "It is important to make sure you take care of the Airmen under you."

While in the Las Vegas area, the senior enlisted member of the Air Force also witnessed two of the newest aircraft in the Air Force arsenal, the F-22 Raptor and the MQ-9 Reaper. These aircraft show how Air Force officials are modernizing their inventory to meet the needs of today's world.

After touring the Raptor air maintenance unit hangar, Chief Roy hosted an enlisted all-call he was able to answer questions and concerns of Nellis AFB Airmen and discuss the future of the Air Force.

Chief Roy concluded his trip to Nellis AFB as with a speech at the 57th Wing annual awards banquet.