McChord gives honors to elite group of enlisted Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tiffany Orr
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash., --  The base honored seven Airmen for their promotion to chief master sergeant during a Chief Master Sergeant Induction Ceremony at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at McChord's Clubs and Community Center.

The event was very professionally done, said inductee Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Parks, who will sew on his eighth stripe in May.

"I felt proud and a sense of awe listening to the chief's creed," he said. "I also had a renewed sense of determination to serve in my duties and as an honoree."

Sergeant Parks said the best part of the ceremony was that it helped the inductees realize the enormity of the step they were about to take in their careers.

"It brought everyone's focus to the chief's role as the top one percent and the immense duties and responsibilities of serving in that top percent." 

Chief Master Sgt. Robert Belletti, 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent, who was inducted in last year's ceremony, said he can attest to the increased pressures of becoming a chief master sergeant.

"It's totally different," he said. "You have to lead by example because everybody looks up to you."

Even though the newfound responsibilities of being a chief can be stressful, Sergeant Parks offers encouragement for those who want to take on the challenge and take part in their own chief's induction ceremony someday.

"Never give up, that's the key," he said. "Always keep believing, and never give up. No matter how bad things are, you can overcome obstacles even if your career is not perfect."

The inductees were:

-- Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Dietz, 86th Aerial Port Squadron
--Chief Master Sgt. Minett Fernandez, 446th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
-- Chief Master Sgt. Alan Gingras, 446th Maintenance Squadron
-- Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Morris, 446th MXS
-- Chief Master Sgt. Trisha Almond, Western Air Defense Sector
-- Chief Master Sgt. Robert Nichols, WADS
-- Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Parks, 62nd Maintenance Squadron