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First medical enlisted force chief visits with current chief

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kimberly Spencer
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNEWS) --  Sharing the place of honor at the head of the 59th Medical Wing commander's conference table, Chief Master Sgt. Mark Withers, the Air Force Medical Service's chief of the medical enlisted force, and the first man to hold the position, retired Chief Master Sgt. Ray Smith, hold the rapt attention of the room.

Surrounded by the top enlisted medical leaders from throughout the wing, the chiefs take turns answering questions and sharing their knowledge, each from a unique perspective of past and present.

As the AFMS' top enlisted Airman, Chief Withers is the go-to person for the surgeon general on all AFMS enlisted matters.

Chief Smith was the first military member appointed to the top enlisted medical position in September 1968, by then Air Force Surgeon General Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Kenneth Pletcher. General Pletcher said the appointment was in recognition of the outstanding performance of Chief Smith as an individual, and as a tribute to the vital contributions of the more than 27, 000 enlisted personnel of the Air Force Medical Service.

Air Force Surgeon General Lt. Gen. (Dr.) James G. Roudebush named Chief Withers to serve as the AFMS chief of the medical enlisted force in December. The chief is the voice to the surgeon general for the roughly 23,000 enlisted members currently assigned to the AFMS.

While numbers of enlisted medical members may have dropped, the workload, technical expertise and deployment requirements have not.

As the discussion continues, a few basic themes are emphasized by both: "duty, accomplishment and attitude."

"We have a huge amount of corporate knowledge in this room," said Chief Withers. "It is our duty to take that knowledge and grow up the next generation of medical enlisted leaders."

Chief Withers also addressed training concerns.

"Standing up a new leadership structure and building new medical training campuses are just some of the challenges we face," the chief said. "And when you add in fiscal constraints, base closure, Global War on Terrorism support and more, it's a constant challenge, but one, I believe, speaking for your strategic enlisted leaders at all levels, that we are up for!"

Chief Smith reminded the wing chiefs not to forget the basic rules of being a good leader.

"Be honest, be proud of the accomplishment of those under you and set the example with a good attitude," the chief said.

"Today's Air Force offers many challenges for our medics," said Chief Withers. "We are asking them to step up to these challenges at all levels, on a daily basis. Setting the example for all senior NCOs to step up to the tough jobs is just the right thing to do."

Chief Withers also spoke of the amazing contributions made by our enlisted aeromedical evacuation specialists.

"Our wounded warriors can wake up 72 hours after injury, with family members at their bedside," said Chief Withers. "That was unheard of in any other conflict."

Both thanked the wing chiefs for their superior service to others.

"It is awesome to see you and make sure you are being treated right, said Chief Smith. "I have no trouble sleeping at night," he added, indicating that today's medics are more than meeting the challenges set before them.

Speaking for the Wilford Hall group, Chief Iris Teasley, the 59th Medical Operations Squadron enlisted manager, thanked Chief Smith for his contributions and visit.

"Thank you for the road you laid out for the rest of us to walk down," said Chief Teasley.

Chief Withers also reminded the wing chiefs that he is available to facilitate the sharing of knowledge throughout the medical service. His visit is one of many throughout the Air Force Medical Service and serves as a "roll call" for today's medics.

"Your opinions are important to me," said the chief. "I want to know your concerns. I want to ensure that our strategic communications are getting to the lowest level. It is a full-time job caring for our enlisted force, and we need to work together to ensure we are doing our best."

"The superb medical members we have are the envy of the world," said Chief Smith. "We are demonstrating peace through health daily!"


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