Chiefs recognize selected promotees during time-honored tradition

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Spencer Gallien
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The newest members selected to join the top one percent of the Air Force enlisted force structure we're formally welcomed by their peers during a ceremony held at the Moody Field Club here Jan. 17.

The evening steeped in Air Force tradition and history included a formal dinner and ceremony where all of the chief master sergeant selects were formally recognized.

"For the chief  master sergeant selects, this transition is the last major event of their career until they retire," said Chief Master Sgt. Dawna Cnota, president of the Moody Chiefs Group. "Our goal was to make this a great event - memorable for our newest chiefs."

The evening began by introducing the newly selected promotees and their family members as each one passed through a cordon made by their future peers who held sabers above their heads.

"Passing under those sabers really gives you a great sense of honor," said Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Negron, 38th Rescue Squadron operations superintendent and chief master sergeant select. "To me they represent authority, leadership and virtue - qualities that I feel I need as a chief."

After the incoming chief master sergeant selects, their families and distinguished guests were introduced, the promotees paid honor to all fallen warriors in the form of a tribute.

A rifle, helmet and a pair of boots, along with a set of dog tags and an American flag were presented by the incoming chief master sergeants to symbolize all of the sacrifices made by Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines throughout history in order to protect and defend the United States.

More specifically, a special set of dog tags was placed on the tribute to represent all of the fallen warriors from the 23rd Wing.

"The fallen warrior tribute is a reminder to all of our Airmen of why we carry on," said Chief Cnota. "We work in a noble, yet dangerous business, one that often requires service to be placed before self. Unfortunately, sometimes, this results in our comrades' in arms making the ultimate sacrifice in order to defend our great nation and the many freedoms we enjoy."

As the evening's events came to a close, several Moody chief master sergeants from around the base offered the new promotees some words of wisdom and encouragement.

"Don't forget where you came from," said Chief Master Sgt. Paul Burgess, 23rd Wing command chief. "You're still at the beginning; you've just begun your responsibilities.

"This is your turn to give back to the selfless Airmen that you now serve," added Chief Burgess.

The following senior master sergeants, from the 23rd Wing, are selected for promotion to the rank of chief master sergeant in 2009.

-Senior Master Sgt. Robert Armbruster, 23rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron
-Senior Master Sgt. John Haldie III, 336th Recruiting Squadron
-Senior Master Sgt. Samuel Johnson, 824th Security Forces Squadron
-Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey Leonard, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 
-Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Negron, 38th Rescue Squadron
-Senior Master Sgt. Mark Nelson, 23rd Logistics Readiness Squadron 
-Senior Master Sgt. Charles Townes Jr., 23rd Maintenance Group
-Senior Master Sgt. Dianna Vallely, 23rd Medical Operations Squadron