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Retired CMSAF visits Altus AFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Myles Stepp
  • 97 Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Retired Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley, visited Altus, Okla., Oct. 1 to share some encouraging words for the base's first sergeants Oct. 1.

Dr. Joe Leverett, Altus Military Affairs Committee chairman, hosted Chief McKinley's visit and asked him to speak to Altus AFB first sergeants about developing Airmen leaders.

"I was a first sergeant for over 10 years, as a master, senior master and as a chief, and I absolutely loved being a first sergeant," Chief McKinley said. "It is a tough, tough job, but they do it. I have nothing but respect for first sergeants."

In Chief McKinley's speech, he talked about a young Airman who had a line number for staff sergeant, and a spot for Airmen Leadership School, but was arrested for driving under the influence. The Airman lost his line number, lost his spot in ALS and was placed in a rehabilitation center. Chief McKinley said he visited the Airman in rehab and spoke with him encouragingly.

Sometime later, at a graduation ceremony, Chief McKinley recalled calling that same Airman's name for distinguished honor graduate of his class. The chief said as he approached McKinley for his award...

"...that Airman gave me a hug and told me that I saved his life," he said. "You can't wear that (first sergeant) diamond without having some impact. It's going to be either positive or negative. "A first sergeant's attitude can make a big difference for their Airmen."

"I really enjoyed (Chief) McKinley's speech, especially the part about making a difference being positive or negative. It was spot on," said Master Sgt. Victor Medlock, 97th Communications Squadron.

Chief McKinley spoke to Altus first sergeants as a mentor, enhancing their skills with his own experiences. It is Chief McKinley's hope that Altus AFB first sergeants will, in turn, develop their Airmen into leaders.

"Our job is to make our Airmen the best airmen they can possibly be," Chief McKinley said. "My greatest achievements are not coins or plaques, but people, and how I saved and motivated them."

"I work a lot of ceremonies and this was by far my favorite with McKinley as our speaker," said Airman First Class Joshua Newell, 97th Communications Squadron.

Chief McKinley entered the Air Force in 1974, took a break in service in 1977, and re-entered the Air Force in 1982. His background includes various duties in medical and aircraft maintenance, and as a first sergeant and command chief master sergeant at wing, numbered air force and major command levels. The chief also deployed to Southwest Asia in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Before assuming the position of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, he served as Command Chief Master Sergeant, Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. He was appointed to the position of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force on June 30, 2006.