Seymour’s New Chief’s, Top of Enlisted Air Force

  • Published
  • By Robin DeMark
  • 4 FW Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AFB, NC --  4th Fighter Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant Blake Malpass and 4th Fighter Wing Vice Commander, Col. Shawn Pederson, were the first to congratulate five of Seymour's new Chief Master Sergeants, Nov. 18, 2010. Air Force officials selected 504 of 2,287 eligible senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant, for a selection rate of 22.04 percent.

"We are very proud that five of our Airmen, are now in the top 1 percent of the Air Force," said Chief Malpass. "This is the point in their careers where the work really begins."

Initial reactions to the selection were of both surprise and a sense of personal accomplishment.

"I'm on cloud nine, I didn't know I was going to make it, now it feels great to actually achieve it," said Senior Master Sgt. Sonja Tracy Mayo, 4th Force Support Squadron, manpower and personnel flight superintendent. "I started as Airman Basic and just wanted to do just 4 years and get out. Now it's all about bringing the troops up to where I am."

Since its inception, the grade of Chief Master Sergeant has evolved to hold a very distinctive role in the force. Chief Master Sergeants serve as key leaders at all levels in the Air Force from flight-level to Air Staff.  They serve as commandants, superintendents, program managers, command chief master sergeants, functional managers, and career field managers.  Chief Master Sergeants must epitomize the finest qualities of a military leader.  They now have the responsibility to mentor and groom the next generation of leaders for force development.

"Once you get into this position, it's all about your Airmen," said Senior Master Sgt. Kreg Carlson, 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, munitions systems section chief. "You have to pound the ground; it's about the ammo troops and the Air Force now."

For others it was a time of reflection and knowing who they were as an individual.

"It's been hard work and challenging every step of the way with peaks and valleys," said Senior Master Sgt. Sam Hill, 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron, section chief of fuels management. "Who I am and what I was is important, but I always knew I'd give 100 percent to the Air Force. Now I'll teach the Airmen and be a father if they need it."

According to Chief Malpass, leadership, dedication to the Air Force, community involvement, professional education development and the various jobs held during their military careers were just a few reasons for their promotion.

"Hard work, attitude being consistent everyday kept me focused," said Senior Master Sgt. Derrick Joe, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron, deputy fire chief. "My number one priority can now be centered on the troops."

Selection board statistics show the average score for those selected was 661.37, with an average time in grade of 3.33 years and time in service of 23.30 years, respectively. The average score was based on the following point averages: 135 for enlisted performance reports, 24.49 for decorations, 70.24 for the Air Force supervisory exam and 381.46 board score.

To watch video interviews with the new Chief Master Sergeants, visit www.seymourjohnson.af.mil