A leader's passing: Airman's point of view

  • Published
  • By Airman Sara Csurilla
  • 47th Flying Training Wing
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  I was recently invited to attend a memorial service for Gary R. Pfingston, the 10th chief master sergeant of the Air Force, with Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Heinzen, the 47th Flying Training Wing command chief, and Master Sgt. Joe Morse, the 47th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant.

Me, an Airman, rubbing elbows with a command chief master sergeant and a first sergeant. It was an incredible opportunity in one of the most intimidating atmospheres I've ever been in.

From the moment I walked in the church (the very same church I attended in basic training only 10 months ago) an overwhelming sense of respect for this enlisted leader came over me.

Chief Pfingston helped produce many things that are taken for granted in today's Air Force that will continue to impact enlisted careers for years to come, such as the Career Field Education and Training Plan, three-level and seven-level technical schools, and opening additional Air Force jobs to women.

He began his career in the Air Force as a B-52 Stratofortress crew chief, and then served as a military training instructor in 1973. In 1979 he became the commandant of the Military Training Instructor School.

Chief Pfingston became a first sergeant in 1982 and then served as a senior enlisted adviser to several bases including Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas, and Pacific
Air Forces headquarters at Hickam AFB, Hawaii.

When he became the chief master sergeant of the Air Force in August 1990, I was only 3 years old.

Now at 20 I'm serving in our world's strongest military, and a man who battled to keep our Air Force strong during a time of tremendous downsizing has passed away. As an enlisted Air Force member, I feel we truly lost a great chief.

Chief Pfingston made incredible changes that will shape the face of the Air Force forever, and has really inspired me to take every chance I get to be a leader.

From an Airman's point of view, the experience was an exceptional opportunity to learn and grow in respect for our enlisted leaders, who blazed a trail for all of us to follow. 

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