New Command Chief focuses on Dobbins' greatest asset: it's Airmen

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. James Branch
  • 94th Airlift Wing Public Affirs
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  The former manager of the 94th Security Forces Squadron became the Command Chief Master Sgt. for the 94th Airlift Wing May 1.

Chief Master Sgt. Wendell L. Peacock will succeed Chief Master Sgt. John M. Anderson, who retired in April as the top enlisted member of the wing.

"There are over 1400 enlisted members, and 18 chief master sergeants in the wing," said Col. Tim Tarchick, 94th Airlift Wing commander. "Being selected for this position is a rewarding, but a difficult process. The command chief's job requires being the eyes and ears of the entire enlisted force. My immediate goals for him are to enhance leadership development for our enlisted members and ensure that they are upholding the Air Force's standards of conduct."

With 30 years of service in the Air Force, eight active duty and 22 reserve, Peacock served as the 94th SFS commander's principal advisor on all enlisted personnel issues, ensuring their readiness, welfare and training.

"In my years of service, I've been blessed to have good supervisors and mentors that helped me develop my talents and abilities," said Peacock. "I felt, as the command chief, I would be in a great position to ensure today's Airmen are offered the same benefits of counsel and mentorship that I enjoyed."

Peacock attributes his experience in dealing with operational and life situations to his time spent in the 94th SFS.

"I've learned to evaluate each situation based on its merit," Peacock said. "No two situations are the same. People see things differently so you always have to factor that in when making a decision. I think anyone in my former squadron would tell you that I've always treated them with respect no matter what the circumstances."

Master Sgt. John C. Peden, 94th SFS standardization and evaluation manager, has known and worked for Peacock for eight years.

"Peacock worked with a diverse group of people with all levels of rank, and led and encouraged them to be creative in their conflict and problem solving,"said Peden. "Being a member of a 24-hour operational unit is no easy task. He answered calls at all times of the day and night, no matter the situation."

Peacock admits that while the future of the 94th Airlift Wing is bright, there are many challenges that lay ahead.

"The reserve force of today is demanding and those demands are going to increase," said Peacock. "Our Airmen must join arm in arm and face them together. We must all check our commitment level. We should constantly ask ourselves why we serve. Hopefully, we can come up with good, sound reasons. If not, we have a tough decision to make. We have to be committed at every level."

Peacock has two fundamental priorities for the 94th Airlift Wing.

"As a wing, we must maintain our mission capability," said Peacock. "We must sustain the morale and well being of our Airmen. We must ensure adherence to all standards. Standards are not arbitrary rules that are negotiable, but are requirements that must be met and maintained at every level for us to realize full mission capability. We must ensure that our Airmen are getting proper supervision in their profession as well as being good wingmen. They can't perform at the highest level if they're distracted."

With an award winning year for the 94th Airlift Wing, there are many expectations in the years moving forward.

"My expectations for the enlisted force begin with our core values- Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence In All We Do," said Peacock. "If we embrace those values and live by them, we will follow the standards and meet the requirements, both on and off duty. I expect our officers to be capable, effective and engaged leaders who lead by example and hold themselves and their subordinates accountable. We should always perform at the highest level of Excellence!"

The command chief insists that execution of his initiatives requires a cooperative relationship with the wing commander, Tarchick and states that they are in what is called the "honeymoon phase."

"The wing commander and I both believe in the reserve triad-the servicemember, family and employer," said Peacock. "We must find and maintain a balance between all three to be successful. He expects me to keep him informed of all enlisted issues and ensure that Air Force policies, guidance and directives are followed. Most of all, he expects me to lead by example."

Moving forward, the wing faces many challenges, and has a leader who accepts those challenges.

"When selecting a Command Chief Master Sergeant to lead our wing, I rely on the whole person concept," said Tarchick. "I explore their character, background and trust the recommendations from their former commanders and the outgoing Command Chief [Master Sergeant]. When it's all said and done; I go with my gut feeling. Peacock met those expectations."

Peden insists that Peacock commands the respect of all, because of his professionalism, and his devotion to duty.

"A leader must be willing to serve," he said. "Peacock possesses wisdom, discernment, fairness, bravery and compassion. He's a leader who leads by example. Always!"