The 14th Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, Gerald R. Murray, will host a conference for former chief master sergeants who have held the Air Force's highest enlisted position. Eight of the nine living former CMSAFs will attend the conference, to be held at the Pentagon Feb. 13 to 16.

"This group of chiefs represent a significant part of our Air Force's history," Chief Murray said. "They led our enlisted force through the many changes in structure, mission and culture we have seen since our inception in 1947. "Their wisdom and insight into the lessons of the past are invaluable to me as we continue to move our Air Force into the future."

The first Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, Paul Airey, is expected to attend the conference. He entered the Army Air Corps in 1942 and became part of the Air Force when it became its own service in 1947. He served most of his career as a first sergeant, but during World War II, was an aerial gunner on B-24 bombers. After bailing out of a damaged aircraft, he was a prisoner of war from July 1944 to May 1945. He continued to serve and was selected as the first Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force in 1967.

"When we talk about the heritage of our Air Force, Chief Airey and these other chiefs lived it," said Murray.

Chief Airey and the other CMSAFs remain engaged with the Air Force, and especially the enlisted force, after retirement. They are regular speakers at ceremonies and sit on panels at various professional military education centers.

The theme of the conference is "Heritage to Horizons," a vision that Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley has established as a vector for the Air Force. The attendees will receive briefings and give input on topics that include the Quadrennial Defense Review, base realignment and closure, and a personnel update. They will also meet with several enlisted Airmen for lunch and a question and answer session.