ACC Command Chief Parsons retires Published June 27, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Steve Stanley Headquarters Air Combat Command Langley AFB, Va. -- Air Combat Command Chief Richard Parsons retired after nearly three decades of extensive service to his country June 20, 2014 at on Langley AFB, Va. 20. The two-day event featured a dinner with guest speakers, presentations and a formal retirement ceremony with invited guest Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody in attendance. While command chief, Parsons served as the enlisted advisor to Gen. Mike Hostage, commander of Air Combat Command and his staff for the enlisted force stationed at 27 wings, 17 bases and at more than 200 operating locations around the world. Parsons advised the commander on mission effectiveness, professional development, military readiness, training, utilization, health, morale, and welfare of the more than 55,000 assigned enlisted personnel. During his tenure, Parsons discussed topics like the suspension to tuition assistance due to sequestration, personnel and aircraft cuts across the Air Force, the battle against sexual assault, changes to promotion procedures, the redeveloped feedback and evaluations system, and personal resiliency. Parsons provided guidance to other assigned Command Chief Master Sergeants and performed as functional manager for the command's First Sergeants. As the USAF's largest force provider to Combatant Commanders, he visited ACC's deployed units worldwide, assessing their operational readiness, training, and morale. Additionally, he represented the command's enlisted force at a variety of military and civilian conferences, forums and speaking engagements. Lastly, in this role, he served as the commander's representative to numerous United States Air Force committees, councils, boards and military and civilian functions.