MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The 16th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, retired Chief Master Sgt. James A. Roy, visited Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., for a meet and greet with Airmen from the 42nd Air Base Wing on Nov. 4, 2024.
Attendees gathered at the Maxwell Club to hear Roy share his wealth of experience from 31 years of service in the Air Force, plus another 10 serving as a civilian.
“If we stay mission-focused, we’ll succeed. That’s the key,” Roy said. “When I talk to Airmen, I always emphasize the importance of understanding why we are here, what our true mission is and what we are standing for. If we stay grounded in those principles, we’ll always be prepared to face any challenge no matter how big.”
During this event, Roy spoke on challenges he faced during the most difficult periods of his service as the CMSAF, reiterating how important keeping the mission focus at heart is when faced with adversity.
He also emphasized balancing a successful career with being present with family and loved ones. He said after so many years of serving, he’d realized what mattered most was family.
“A big takeaway I had from this event is to remember where you came from, and remember to love those who support you,” said Tech. Sgt. Brennan Lee, 42nd ABW command chief executive assistant.
A former “Dirt Boy” in civil engineering, Roy recalled the struggles he faced as a young Airman, reflecting on how much more difficult life could be for Airmen today.
“You are always going to have competing interests for your time no matter if you are an Airman Basic fresh out of basic training or Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force,” said Roy. “When I got into the command chief business [for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and before becoming CMSAF], my son was seven months old. I was responsible to my commander, a four star, and for all the enlisted people within the Pacific theater.”
With the rapid rate of change in the world, Roy highlighted the importance of the values that guide U.S. Airmen through their Air Force careers.
“What separates us from our competition?” Roy said. “We have an all-volunteer force. Every single one of us raised our right hand and pledged to defend our constitution. We made the choice willingly, and that’s something that sets us apart.”