23rd Wing command chief bids farewell

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  "Someone once told me that if you chew on gum when you're talking about something emotional, you won't cry."

This was the opening to the farewell speech of Chief Master Sgt. Richard Parsons, 23rd Wing command chief, as he inserted the first of many pieces of gum into his mouth.

Chief Parsons has spent more than 16 of his 25 years in the Air Force at Moody. His current job is to maintain a liaison between the wing commander and those that execute the mission, primarily focusing on the enlisted force and their families.

Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd WG commander, spoke to the members in attendance about how whenever they would visit a base Airmen would flock to him asking him all sorts of questions.

"That's why every day I strive to be a little more like him and understand how he connects to the Airmen," added Colonel Henderson." He just has a way with the Airmen and he will be missed."

Chief Parsons entered the Air Force in August 1985, and graduated from Security Specialist course, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in Dec 1985. He has an extensive background in Nuclear Security, Law Enforcement and Integrated Base Defense, serving during numerous deployments and staff positions.

Chief Parsons has come a long way since 1985, but he didn't get here alone. He credits his family, faith and mentors for helping him through his 25 years of active duty.

"I could get up here and talk about all the good times but I have to admit there are times in my career where I couldn't deliver and times that I responded the way I shouldn't have. There are things I wanted to change but didn't have the time to," said Chief Parsons. "But together we have accomplished so many things and if it wasn't through faith, my family and those here today, I wouldn't be the man I am today."

The need of gum became clear as he began to choke up speaking of the support he received throughout his career.

Retired Senior Master Sgt. Bill Haskin knew the chief back when he was an airman basic.

"I remember when he first arrived at Moody almost 25 years ago," said Mr. Haskin, his first supervisor. "Picture him just as hard charging as he is now but with no discipline, that's what I had to deal with."

Chief Parsons credits his first supervisor for helping him throughout his career as he opens another piece of gum. Despite the tears, Chief Parsons also added a little laughter to his speech when he described certain moments in his past.

The chief recalls a time when he was called into his first commander's office, but he was stopped before entering because his badge was on the wrong side of his uniform. This was just one the memories he has from his time here.

"I was an airman basic when I arrived here in 1985 as a new member of the 347th Security Police Squadron," said Chief Parsons. "It's great to be able to come back as a command chief and have the opportunity to help the younger Airmen that are here now. I look forward to my new position, but will miss Moody and my home."

Now at the end of his third tour at Moody, he will be assuming the position of U.S. Air Forces Central command chief during an upcoming yearlong tour.