Commentary: In the company of greatness

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jeff Caldwell
  • 442nd Operations Group
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Many people who know me will tell you I don't get awestruck easily. However, Aug. 22 it was my honor and privilege to watch, listen and shake hands with nine of the 15 men who served as Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force.

During the 2007 Professional Airman's Conference (PAC) and International Convention, hosted by the Air Force Sergeants' Association, some of the greatest men the Air Force has ever produced attended.

The following Chiefs graced a large audience with their presence: Chief Master Sgts. of the Air Force Wesley Airey, Robert Gaylor, James McCoy, Sam Parish, James Binnicker, Eric Benken, Frederick Finch, Gerald Murray and the current man to occupy the job, Chief Rodney McKinley.

While listening to the Chiefs answer questions, I realized how much military history was in that single room. These men have guided the enlisted force of the finest Air Force in the World.

I can't speak for all in that room but it was a moment that one might consider to be a life event; it was certainly a day I will never forget.

I'm a person that remembers my roots and I associate many of my successes in life to the training and mentorship developed while in the Air Force. Reflecting on my thoughts led me to question, "what am I doing to give back to the Air Force?"

Doing my job well has always been important to my personal goals but that has predominantly been task oriented with leadership across the lower levels. Although lower-level leadership and task excellence is very important, I want to lead from a multi-dimensional perspective. I am certain I can provide value to all levels of leadership in the 442nd Fighter Wing, 10th Air Force and Air Force Reserve Command.

It was those great men who inspired me to do more in the future by giving back to people in the Air Force through program excellence, solid leadership and Airmen development. As the Airman's Creed states, "I will never falter, and I will not fail," my direction is clear.

Even in moments of inspiration, life happens all around us. Unfortunately, I received a phone call later that day in which I found out my father had endured heart complications but was recovering. When I spoke to him in his hospital bed and he asked what I was doing. I wanted to take his mind off his situation and cheer up the conversation so I told him I had just met nine Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force.

As a former Army Soldier, who fought in Vietnam, I could tell he was smiling on the phone when he told me how proud of me he was. In so many words, he conveyed that my place was at the PAC doing great things for our country instead of sitting in a hospital with him. I was more comfortable with my father's improving condition so I "Airman'd- up" as a professional and returned to my peers.

I believe true character is defined on one's actions during moments of adversity.

Later that evening during the PAC Ball, I decided this would never happen to me again and I mustered up the courage to trouble the Chiefs for a picture during program breaks. As I approached them, I firmly shook each of their hands and stated, "Chief, it would be my honor if you would take a picture with me." With a touch of tranquility, each in their own unique way made a nervous guy feel at ease.

I made my way around the room to visit with each of the nine Chiefs. What a tremendous amount of respect I have for those men and what they have done for our country. They find it within their hearts to reach out and touch lives; that is why they are and will always be Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force.

I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to attend that conference and serve with such brilliant people. However, I still find myself challenged with the question, "how much can one person do?" I know there is no standard answer for this question since everyone answers it in their own way.

I'm going to find my own answer.

The Chiefs have done so much to mature the Air Force, albeit, not all can achieve their level of success; but success is in the eye of the beholder. In our own unique way, we all can attain similar greatness with our own achievements to help our Air Force.

Anyone has the ability to inspire, guide and lead. There are supervisors out there right now who are furthering the development of our future Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force. I can't think of any better contribution to our Air Force at this time.

Yesterday's sacrifice, today's service, and tomorrow's honor!