Command chiefs meet for annual conference

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jonathan Ortiz-Torres
  • Air University Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFPN) --  More than 250 command chiefs from Reserve, Guard and active-duty Air Force bases worldwide met here June 19 to 23 for the 10th Annual Worldwide Command Chief Master Sergeants' Conference.

Command chiefs tackled issues facing the enlisted force.

The conference gives Air Force senior leaders an opportunity to provide information in a perspective that will help command chiefs by bringing them up to date on new issues, said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray.

“We hope to send them away from here better armed and prepared for the future,” he said.

Senior leaders who spoke at the conference included Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force vice chief of staff. A panel of former chief master sergeants of the Air Force also shared information.

Chief Master Sgt. Ron Rasor was at his first conference, and he said it made a lasting impression on him.

“It was amazing to see such a top lineup of leaders and presenters,” said Chief Rasor, the command chief master sergeant for the Ohio Air National Guard’s 178th Fighter Wing in Springfield. “Even more impressive was that even with the different active-duty, (Guard) and (Reserve) command chiefs attending, you really couldn’t tell the difference. We all blended together and worked the same issues as a total force.”

"We are not only enthusiastic about the interaction amongst the enlisted leaders, but also with the opportunity the chiefs will have to pass on vital information to their troops at their home stations," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Mazzi, the command chief master sergeant for Air University here. "We are pleased with the large number of Guard and Reserve chiefs who attended the conference. Their presence here reflects the importance of the total force in the global war on terrorism."

“We’re leading (Airmen) in a very historic and exciting time,” Chief Murray said. “Airmen today deserve nothing less than the very best leadership that we can provide.

“(Command chiefs and leaders) need to know the importance of having not only an expeditionary mindset, but a combat expeditionary mindset throughout our ranks,” he said. “Today’s mission requires us to prepare better battle-ready Airmen and combat-ready leaders.”