Chief master sergeants of the Air Force gather for dedication

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
BOLLING AIR FORCE BASE, D.C. (AFNS) --  Eight chief master sergeants of the Air Force joined Bolling Air Force Base Airmen in a dedication ceremony honoring the service's highest enlisted position in the newly renamed Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Room in the Bolling Club May 26.

Bolling AFB Airmen escorted the chiefs for the evening and introduced them to the guests assembled.

The ceremony began with some remarks from Col. Jon A. Roop, the 11th Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Robin Johnson, the 11th Wing command chief master sergeant. 

This was a chance for a new generation of Airmen to interact with the generations of the past, said the sixth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James M. McCoy. "It's always so good to see the young people who are here to serve our country. I continue to be amazed at the attitude of this new generation."

The eighth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Sam E. Parish echoed his sentiments and said, "I love the Air Force, it's been my entire life, I joined when I was 17 and retired when I was 49. I joined the Air Force when it was only seven years old! And the new people in the Air Force today are the best we've ever had. Given the chance, they will do more than we've ever done."

The current Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley also took this time to introduce and welcome Chief Master Sgt. James A. Roy, who was recently selected to replace Chief McKinley upon his retirement June 30. Chief McKinley's speech was followed by a standing ovation from the formers chief master sergeants of the Air Force.

"It was a great idea to introduce the new chief," the ninth chief master sergeant of the Air Force, James C. Binnicker said, "including him in the ceremony was a touch of class."