Former CMSAF Murray joining retiree council

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RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNEWS) --  A new face will share the head of the Air Force Retiree Council table at its annual meeting May 14 to 18. Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray, who left active duty in October, succeeds CMSAF Frederick J. Finch as council co-chair with Lt. Gen. Donald L. Peterson.

The co-chairs serve as personal advisers to the chief of staff and the secretary of the Air Force on all issues regarding retirees and their families. Chief Murray's appointment was announced by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley.

Meeting at the Air Force Personnel Center here, the council receives briefings on today's Air Force structure from senior members of the Air Staff and other Air Force elements. This information helps the 20-member panel address issues submitted from 109 base retiree activities offices worldwide. Subjects range from proposed increases in Tricare fees to increased oversight of the Armed Forces Retirement Home to Survivor Benefit Plan enhancements. Recommendations on key issues are forwarded to the Air Force chief of staff and subject matter experts.

Chief Murray is the fourth retired chief master sergeant of the Air Force to head the retiree council. Retired CMSAF James M. McCoy chaired the panel in 1997 and 1998. After co-chairs were established in 1999, Retired CMSAF Eric W. Benken (1999 to 2002) and Chief Finch (2002 to 2006) volunteered their services. The council was established in 1972.

A native of Boiling Springs, N.C., Chief Murray completed 29 years on active duty. After a variety of assignments in aircraft maintenance, he served as command chief in four locations before being selected for the enlisted force's top position. He lives in Marietta, Ga., with his wife, Sherry. They have three children, Robert, Stephen and Elizabeth. 

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