JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The chance to attend an event and hear the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force speak is a rare opportunity. The chance to attend an event and hear six CMSAFs speak could be once in a lifetime.
Recently, the Joint Base Andrews community was given such an opportunity when six former CMSAFs (former CMSAF James M. McCoy, James C. Binnicker, Frederick J. Finch, Gerald R. Murray, Eric W. Benken and Rodney J. McKinley) held an open question-and-answer forum at the base's Education Building on Jan. 25, 2013. The panel followed the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Transition Ceremony where current incoming and outgoing CMSAF's were honored.
Drawing from their combined knowledge of the Air Force, the former CMSAFs discussed issues ranging from military politics to Airmen resiliency. Specific questions included statements concerning the chiefs' view on military politics, their opinions on Air Force morale, the significant changes that they as former CMSAFs would like to see made in the current Air Force and the most-challenging moments they experienced during their term as a CMSAF.
McKinley, the 15th CMSAF, highlighted his most-challenging moments as those pertaining to controlling Airmen safety in war zones. McKinley stated that in a war zone, safety was paramount and was what he tried to maintain no matter where his troops were sent.
Additionally, McKinley offered advice to those in attendance. He challenged Airmen at the forum to hold their head high when faced with adversity and cited resiliency as being key to successfully stepping up as a leader within the Air Force.
Near the end of the forum, the chiefs thanked those in attendance for their service and sacrifice, as well as that of their families. The resiliency of today's Airman was noted in former CMSAF Gerald R. Murray's final thought.
"I personally have never seen Airmen more ready, more qualified or more committed to the fight then I see serving today," said Murray. "It's a pleasure to have served for you and to have served with you."