Command Chief Master Sergeant reflects, looks ahead

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Leah Young
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  As his time as the 62nd Airlift Wing Command Chief comes to an end, Chief Master Sergeant Greg Warren reflects on the past few years of his Air Force career, the transition of a joint base and his plans for the future.

Q. During your first interview as Command Chief more than two years ago, you described the first thing you noticed about the 62nd AW in one word: Excellence. Has this been a continued theme throughout your tour at McChord?

Absolutely. It's become even more prevalent due to the incredible tempo of our Airmen and how they thrive in it. Whether it's deployments or inspections; I've never seen a busier base. On top of that, our Airmen managed the transition to a joint base without panicking or faltering. They looked for the positives and best practices; that's the reason it's so successful.

 Q. You also said the most important aspect of joint basing would be relationship building. Now that it's been established, are relationships still the most important aspect of a successful joint base?

The relationships that have been built across the installation are the cause for the success. There's no doubt in my mind. Organizations like BOSS, the Army Community Services and the Airmen and Family Readiness Center are very strong and willing to support. Our Airmen and their families are benefitting from that more so now than before we became a joint base. Relationships are everything. They are the reason for the success we've had and will be the reason for future successes. We need to continue looking at best practices and focusing on the positives.

Q. Where is your next assignment?

I'm headed to RAF Mildenhall, England, to serve as the 100th Air Refueling Wing's Operations Group superintendent. I've never been stationed overseas, so I'm very excited about it. I'm also looking forward to joining a unit with such a rich history. Almost every mission they fly is a high priority mission, so everything they do has a big impact. Also, it's getting back to my roots in the tanker business. Right now, it's a three year tour, which will put me at 30 years in the Air Force. Our plan right now is to come back to Washington after retirement.

Q. You said that this was one of the busiest bases you'd ever been to?

I knew it was going to be busy, but I've never seen the operations tempo like the one here. And our Airmen are amazing for thriving in this environment. I am amazed every day.

Q. Let's say a young Airman with a family to provide for is having trouble staying resilient. What advice would you give?

Plug in to the services offered here. Our Airmen and Family Readiness Center has the advantage of being part of the Army Community Services, meaning they have infinitely more resources available than your average Air Force base. The Airmen and Family Readiness Center will direct you to the program that will best fit your needs. They're the experts. The Enlisted Spouses club is also another great resource and a great way to get involved. People just need to reach out a little bit and see what's available. That's what these programs are here for. At the end of the day, it makes you more resilient, it makes you better.


Q. You regularly attended several events and activities on base, such as the Deployed Families Dinner and First Fridays at the McChord Club. Do you have a favorite?

The annual awards banquet, just because it recognizes our Airmen and the excellence they bring here. I especially enjoyed this past one. We really involved the community and it was a real Team McChord event, which was important. The biggest fear going into joint basing was losing our identity as Airmen and losing our Airmen culture. That ceremony was personally important to me because it brought our Air Force community together and recognized Airmen not only across the installation, but our community partners as well.

Q. Are you satisfied with the work you've accomplished during your time here?

I think if you're satisfied, you're fooling yourself. I don't think I'll ever be satisfied. Do I think there have been a lot of Airmen who've been helped while I've been here? Sure. Is that because of me? No. It's because of the Airmen here, because of the great team we have. It's because of the young leaders that really care about their Airmen and families. Taking care of your people is number one. There are too many good opportunities and good people here for anyone to feel left out or alone.

Q. What will you miss most about McChord?

The people. The relationships I've formed. But I won't miss the traffic. I was very excited about this assignment; I love everything about this place. However, I was worried that the community might not be supportive of the Military; I've totally been proven wrong on that front. The unbelievable support from the community has been one of the biggest blessings for my wife, Sheri, and I. And it was a complete surprise to me. That's why we're coming back to this community when I retire.

I'd like to say a special thank you to all three of the executive assistants I've had: Tech. Sgt. Dawn Kloos, Staff Sgt. Amelia Hadrava and Staff Sgt. Michelle Welp. This job would have been nearly impossible without them. I'd also like to thank the commander, Col. Wyn Elder, as well as the joint base leadership; it's been great partnering with them. This has been the biggest honor of my career. Any success I've had is because of the support from my wife, the grace of God and the incredible Airmen stationed here at McChord Field.