Creech chiefs welcome finest Airmen into top enlisted tier

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Nadine Barclay
  • 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
LAS VEGAS --  Creech Air Force Base's newest chief master sergeant-selects and their families were recently congratulated in a very personal way - with a surprise home visit from base leadership.

The visits continued a unique tradition that began in March of this year, when leadership from the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing and 799th Air Base Group recognized the base's newest senior master sergeant-selects at home. 

For leadership, it was essential to recognize the Airmen at home so their families, who equally endure the challenges of military life alongside their Airmen, could be included in the celebration.

"It's important to recognize these Airmen for their achievements, especially as they make it to the top one percent of the enlisted ranks," said Chief Master Sgt. Butch Brien, 432nd Wing/432nd AEW command chief. "We felt it was important to make this experience even more memorable by honoring the newest Creech chief master sergeant-selects at home, where they are surrounded by those most important to them."

First sergeants, squadron commanders, and chiefs attended to congratulate the three Creech selectees, who included Senior Master Sgt. Greg Carrico, 432nd Wing, Senior Master Sgt. Michael Phillips, 99th Ground Combat Training Squadron, and Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Saugstad, 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

Col. James Cluff, 432nd Wing/432nd AEW commander, explained the importance of being selected for promotion to the highest enlisted rank, and charged the selectees with continuing to serve as key leaders and deliberately shaping enlisted leaders for the future.

"These three Airmen were selected because they've consistently proven over time they have what it takes to fulfill the responsibilities of the top enlisted tier of our Air Force," Cluff said.  I couldn't be prouder of the role they play in making the 432nd mission happen.  I have no doubt they will continue to help mold and grow those around them to become better Airmen and better leaders for our country."

The rank of chief master sergeant has evolved to hold a very distinctive place in the Air Force and has become the highest honor bestowed on enlisted Airmen, epitomizing the finest qualities of a military leader.

Selectees will continue to further develop their leadership and management skills, while serving as commandants, superintendents, program managers, command chief master sergeants, functional managers, and career field managers.

For one selectee, the visit from so many caring and familiar faces made the accomplishment he's worked so hard to achieve unforgettable.

"It's all about the brotherhood and the fraternity.  Being part of the one percent is a pretty big bridge to cross," said Carrico. "It means a lot that everybody came out to welcome us into that elite fraternity. I'm pretty ecstatic."

Carrico also made sure to pass along some advice for others seeking to achieve this milestone.

"Work hard ... and always prepare yourself, so when the next opportunity arises or when that door opens, you can step through it. If you don't, you miss out on opportunities," he said. "I got here through hard work and doing the right thing. Everybody tries to figure it out, but really it's pretty simple. Just work hard, take care of people, and it all shakes out in the end."

Air Force-wide 18.97 percent, or only 479 senior master sergeants out of 2,525 eligible, were selected for this increased responsibility.