Gordon set to take 4th FW CAA helm

Published July 17, 2015
By Senior Airman John Nieves Camacho
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Every day, Airmen make decisions that in some way, shape or form affect their careers. It can be something minor, like completing part of their upgrade training to switching career fields entirely.

For instances such as the latter, those decisions ultimately funnel down to one person on the entire installation.

Beginning July 27, Master Sgt. Christopher Gordon will be that person as he takes over the career assistance advisor role for more than 5,000 active-duty Airmen on base.

"I'm ecstatic to become the 4th Fighter Wing career assistance advisor," Gordon said. "The CAA provides insight to Airmen at all levels, from orienting the first term Airmen as they come through [the First Term Airmen Center], to helping those Airmen make an informed decision upon re-enlistment consideration. We also provide education to first-line supervisors through Airman Leadership School and professional enhancement seminars."

Master Sgt. Latasha Carroway, who previously served as the wing's CAA the past four years, said the position is vital because they are responsible for the professional development of the Airmen assigned to their installation and play an important role in communication between Airmen and wing leaders.

"We advise our commander, chiefs, first sergeants and supervisors on professional development and important enlisted issues," Carroway added. "We provide them with the tools necessary to educate their Airmen with the assistance of many wing agencies. We are the bridge between all the enlisted ranks and leadership to ensure Airmen are aware of all their options prior to making a career decision."

Gordon will step into his new position after transitioning from superintendent duties at the 4th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, and said the experiences throughout his military career have helped prepare him for this next task.

"I have held many different positions during my military career to include: aerospace ground equipment journeyman, public health craftsman, unit emergency manager and alternate unit deployment manager, Airman and Family Readiness Center NCO and squadron superintendent," Gordon added. "I feel that each of the positions have given me a good knowledge base to draw from in helping the Airmen of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base with their career aspirations."

Carroway, who will retire later this year, called the CAA position "the best job in the Air Force," and believes the program is in good hands with Gordon.

"The past four-plus years being the CAA have been amazing," Carroway said. "Not only did I have an opportunity to mentor and develop future leaders, I learned how to be a better leader from those I encountered. Master Sgt. Gordon has a wealth of experience and knowledge. The fact that he is eager to mold our future Air Force is a huge factor. It's bittersweet, but I'm excited to start my next chapter and for Master Sgt. Gordon to experience the job satisfaction that I have had each and every day since May 2011."

Gordon said he is looking forward to the opportunity to assist Airmen across the installation throughout their careers.

"Having ample time to shadow Master Sgt. Carroway and learn from her expertise is providing me with the tools needed to carry on the successes she had in her tenure as Seymour Johnson Air Force Base's career assistance advisor," Gordon said. "I can't wait to undergo all of the learning experiences and challenges I will face over the next three years."

To get more information or guidance about potential career changes, contact the CAA office at (919) 722-5857.