Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force visits Barksdale Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman Allison Boehm
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (ACCNS) --  Barksdale Airmen were given several opportunities to meet and interact with the Air Force's top enlisted leader during the 15th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force's first visit here Monday and Tuesday. 

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley's time at the base included a stop at the Red River Dining Facility where on day one, he met with 28 Airmen for dinner and a question and answer session. 

The Airmen, chosen by their superintendents, were able to engage the chief on relevant Air Force topics. 

"It was important to me to hear the views of our most senior enlisted Airman, to know what is going on in the Air Force, and to have a chance to speak with him and ask questions and to know that issues important to the enlisted force are heard and answered," said Staff Sgt. John Croston, 608th Air Operations Center. 

Sergeant Croston added the chief's visit held more opportunities than just asking questions. It also gave Airmen the "invaluable" opportunity to garner mentoring advice. 

On Tuesday, Chief McKinley held an Airman's call to reach an even larger audience of Barksdale Airmen. He again took the time to share his thoughts and listen to concerns stating he "very much appreciates spending time in the field talking to the Airmen." 

"First off, I want to thank you for wearing the uniform, for being in our Air Force, and for helping to make our Air Force the greatest this world has ever seen," he said to those who packed Hoban Hall. 

The call concluded with another question and answer session. 

"To have someone of that leadership level answer my question and concerns is a motivational push," said Tech. Sgt. Brian Hill, 608th Strategic Operations Squadron. "It not only showed his concern to talk to me, but he took time out of his busy, busy schedule to visit us here at Barksdale Air Force Base to address those concerns." 

Staff Sgt. James Isenhour, 2nd Maintenance Squadron, took the opportunity to vocalize concerns and questions about the new uniform changes the Air Force has made. 

"I feel that Air Force supervision is interested in hearing what everyone has to say," said Sergeant Isenhour. "The highest ranking enlisted member of the United States Air Force took time out of his extremely busy schedule to present his message to us at Barksdale -- and then to have an open microphone and willing to answer any question asked shows that he is really interested in everyone's concerns," he added. 

One of the main themes of Chief McKinley's Airmen call, as well as the whole visit, was to reinforce the fact that he believes in Airmen. 

"We have had a couple changes here recently but that does not stop the direction of our Air Force and that does not mean that you are not doing a good job," said Chief McKinley. "We have incredible Airmen around the globe doing incredible things every day. Every Airman should hold their head held high and maintain their focus on the mission. I want you to continue to be proud to wear this uniform, and to be proud to be an Airman."