New command chief returns 'home'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  When the new command chief arrived at Moody, it was more than a permanent change of station--it was a homecoming.

Chief Master Sgt. Richard Parsons, the 23rd Wing's new command chief, is no stranger to the base, this is his third assignment to Moody. Chief Parsons brings almost 24 years of Air Force experience to the position as top enlisted advisor here.

"It's really humbling to be chosen as the command chief for the Flying Tigers," said Chief Parsons, a Georgia native. "I'm excited to be back because of the people I know that are still here and the local community. It will be a challenge, but I'm ready to serve and represent all enlisted members, officers, civilians, contractors and their families."

Chief Parsons' previous assignment was command chief master sergeant of the 505th Command and Control Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

The last time he was at Moody was in December 2007, serving as the superintendent of the 820th Security Forces Group.

"I was not surprised but very excited when I found out Chief Parsons would be the 23rd WG's command chief," said Robert LeFever, 820th SFG deputy commander and longtime friend. "He will have an immediate impact on the Flying Tigers, no matter what Air Force specialty, unit or function--his ethos is what we believe for the Air Force and he sets the bar and pace for the enlisted force."

Just under a month into the job, the chief already has a vision for what he wants to accomplish here.

"My plans are to develop future leaders for the force, continue mission excellence and to work with other chief master sergeants on base to serve Moody members," said the chief. "I would like to create a strategic roadmap for enlisted professional development and integrate it into all base organizations such as Moody's Top 3, the 5/6 Group and Airmen Committed to Excellence."

The command chief, who entered the Air Force in 1985, has an extensive background in nuclear security, law enforcement and integrated base defense. He has served during numerous deployments and staff positions. The chief has the experience to accomplish his goals.

"Chief Parsons is a war fighter who has been on the ground and experienced combat," said Mr. LeFever. "He knows what it takes for our Airman to perform their duties under combat conditions and be prepared, trained and equipped to survive in the operations being performed today.

"His attitude and personality are contagious and members look at him as a role model," he added. "He will always push for the best interests of the troops and their families."

Among Chief Parsons' interests are swimming, biking and running and he reads the Bible every day. The chief also has two daughters and one son.

"I look forward to the challenges dealing with wing-wide issues and helping people with them," said the chief. "I expect Airmen to serve with integrity and excellence, voice their concerns and obstacles so I can help them overcome it.

"I want to give back to others what leaders gave me in the past and I hope to do well at it," he added.