Charter chief takes his place in Langley Chiefs' Room

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jason J. Brown
  • 633d Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. --  Family, friends and fellow Airmen united to induct retired Chief Master Sgt. Gabriel "Bill" Christie into the chiefs' room at the Bayside Enlisted Club, Feb. 2.

Chief Christie is among the "Charter Chiefs," a distinction bestowed upon the first 625 Airmen promoted to the grade of chief master sergeant, Dec. 1, 1959. The induction marked the first time a chief who did not serve as chief master sergeant of the Air Force was honored with an official portrait in the club.

The Langley Chiefs' Group designed a new program to honor chief master sergeants who made significant contributions to the Air Force. Moving beyond honoring only chief master sergeants of the Air Force, Chief Master Sgt. Terry Rethamel, Langley Chiefs' Group president said, "There was no better choice than Bill Christie."

Chief Rethamel spoke of Chief Christie's accomplishments and dedication to the Air Force while enlisted and in retirement.

"What's particularly unique about Chief Christie is his special dedication of service, serving 27 years as a prominent Airman and 23 years as a volunteer retiree at our hospital," he said. "Bill Christie personifies the true meaning of giving, and anyone who is blessed to interact with him is inspired by his enthusiasm for life, jovial persona and genuine care for his fellow man."

Chief Christie delivered a heartfelt speech following the unveiling of his portrait by Chief Rethamel and Chief Master Sgt. Charles Anderson, 633d Air Base Wing command chief.

"I consider everyone here family, and I thank everyone for all their support and service" Chief Christie said with a smile. "Most importantly, I thank my wife, Grace, who put up with me over all these years."

He called the induction "a great honor," and joined family members and Langley chiefs in attendance for photographs after the ceremony.

An emotional Stephen Christie, Chief Christie's son, spoke highly of his father, noting his dedication to service and country.

"My family members are Greek immigrants, but my dad has always considered himself an American first," he said. "I only hope I can be as great a man as my father."

The day marked not only Chief Christie's induction into the chiefs' room, but also his 88th birthday, where attendees sang "Happy Birthday" at the culmination of the ceremony.

Chief Christie began his military career with the Army Air Corps in 1939. He was stationed at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, and continued to serve through the Korean War, retiring at Langley in 1969. Chief Christie received several major awards, including the Air Medal and two Air Force Commendation Medals. He currently lives in Hampton Roads with his wife and serves as an American Red Cross volunteer at the Langley Hospital.