2013 Year in Review; Recognizing leaders Published Jan. 21, 2014 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- 2013 Year in Review; Dobbins' members excelled throughout the 2013 calendar year. Their successes have not only paved the way for future generations, but have provided an even greater challenge for potential members to meet and surpass the already high expectations they have come to set. This Dobbins' 2013 Year in Review highlights the top base photos and articles. Recognizing leaders By Senior Airman Elizabeth Van Patten 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs 9/7/2013 - DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. - Chief Master Sgt. Cameron B. Kirksey, Air Force Reserve command chief, and retired Chief Master Sgt. Jackson A. Winsett, former AFRC command chief, were keynote speakers for the Dobbins Chiefs' Recognition Ceremony, honoring those who recently achieved the top enlisted rank of Chief Master Sgt., Sept. 7 at the Waverly Renaissance Center, Atlanta Ga. Chief Master Sgts. Darrell E. Harper, 94th Logistics Readiness Squadron superintendent, Jeffery A. Herold, 80th APS chief of air freight, Richard S. Lehman, 94th Aircraft Maintenance superintendent, Chad L. Ronnebaum, 94th Maintenance Group superintendent, Brian A, Ross, 94th Civil Engineering Squadron chief enlisted manager, Eric W. Stere, 22nd Air Force security forces manager, Robert L. Walter, 94th Force Support Squadron superintendent and Scott E Yoder, 700th Airlift Squadron loadmaster superintendent were recognized at the ceremony. Kirksey and Winsett charged each new chief to make the Airmen better for the Air Force and make the Air Force better for the Airmen. "Chief Kirksey is a charismatic speaker with a natural command presence," said Chief Herold. "Several of us had dinner with the keynote speakers Friday prior to the Unit Training Assembly. After speaking with him, I can see that Chief Kirksey genuinely cares and is passionate about his charge. He wants to ensure that the enlisted voice is heard at all levels of command, up to the pentagon and Department of Defense." The two command chiefs toured Dobbins Air Reserve Base earlier that day, with Chief Master Sgt. Wendell L. Peacock, 94th Airlift Wing command chief, to recognize the accomplishments of its Airmen, offer words of encouragement, and honest feedback to those they met. The enlisted leaders met with all ranks; from trainees yet to ship to Basic Military Training to chief master sgts. and officers, for an update of the readiness of the wing's enlisted force. "Why are we the strongest military in the world?" asked Kirksey to the Training and Development Flight. "Because we are the best enlisted force in the world. Not because we fly faster than the speed of sound. Not because we can put bombs on target. It's because we stood up." Kirksey and Winsett both agreed that this mentality begins before going to Basic Military Training. Kirksey cited Winsett for laying the groundwork for the precursor program that eventually led to the current TDF program. Both chiefs fielded questions from the TDF trainees. Each trainee stood and gave a reporting statement, rendering proper customs and courtesies. He praised Tech. Sgt. Gregory Meghoo, TDF chief, for his leadership of the trainees, and presented him with his coin. Mehgoo concluded the meeting by reminding the trainees that they each have the potential to rise to the rank of chief master sgt. "I encourage you to keep this level of respect," said Kirksey. "You will face many challenges, and this practice will serve you well through all of them. Additionally, if you want to be successful, you must stay on track and not give up. You must find a motivating principle for yourself."
