Photo By Staff Sgt. Eunique Stevens | Chief Master Sgt. Bill Goben leads Airmen saluting the flag during a retreat ceremony...... read more read more
KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq – A simple base retreat here Friday honored the service of Chief Master Sgt. Paul Airey, the first Airman to assume the duties of chief master sergeant of the Air Force.
This Airman, who current chief master sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley recently named the "most respected Airman in the history of the Air Force," died, March 11, in Panama City, Fla., at 85.
In remembrance of Chief Airey, Airmen here conceived and participated in a retreat characterized by symbolism: It was held on the anniversary date of the beginning of his tenure; comprised of three 27-Airmen flights, commemorating the number of months of his tenure; and included a flag detail comprised of chief master sergeants.
"When I learned of Chief Airey's death from a fellow senior NCO, I thought we here at Kirkuk should do something to honor his service to the Air Force and our nation," said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Land, the base's Top 3 association president. The anniversary date was chosen when he saw it in a new release, he said.
The Lakeland, Fla., native deployed from Andrews AFB, Md., said fellow SNCOs and leaders of two enlisted private organizations were quick to offer support.
Identifying NCOs to participate was "very easy," said Club 5/6 president Staff Sgt. Britton Febrescordero. "I probably had 22 e-mails within the first hour and a half," said the Houston, Texas, native deployed from Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
Among those NCOs volunteering was a former military training instructor, Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Bushaw. In addition to serving as a flight commander, his drill and ceremony knowledge was a major help to the other two flight commanders and the flag detail.
"I truly enjoy all drill and ceremonies and felt it was an honor to pay respect to our first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force," said the Kent, Wash., native deployed from Dover AFB, Del.
"I feel this particular ceremony is a unique and fitting way for Airmen serving in Iraq to honor such a pioneer in enlisted heritage," Sgt. Bushaw said. "Having the entire retreat made up of enlisted Airmen and a chief master sergeant flag security detail while in a combat zone is an honorable tribute to an 'Enlisted Warrior.'"
Chief Master Sgt. Bill Goben, 506th Air Expeditionary Group superintendent, participated "To pay respect to the flag and at the same time honor the exemplary service of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Paul Airey. Not only was he the first chief master sergeant of the Air Force, but he forged a foundation that all Airmen serving today stand upon," said the Bossier City, La., native deployed from the Pentagon.
"He dedicated his entire adult life to serving our nation and our United States Air Force. Even after retiring he continued to mentor enlisted Airmen, challenging them to make a difference. He has left an indelible mark upon the enlisted heritage of the Air Force. Airmen for generations to come will remember him."
A member of the flag detail with Chief Goben, Chief Master Sgt. Suzy Clemons, remembers Chief Airey in a personal way.
"Like many Airmen, I have been privileged to know chief master sergeant of the Air Force Airey and talk to him on many occasions," said the Riceville, Tenn., native deployed from Robins AFB, Ga. "As I lowered the flag, I remembered a trip where I drove chief master sergeant of the Air Force Airey from Robins back to his home in Panama City, Fla., after a speaking engagement."
Chief Clemons said she asked him when he was promoted to the newly created position whether he considered how it would impact the rest of his life. He simply replied no, but said he was humbled and grateful for a lifetime of opportunities to continue to serve and fight for continued improvements for all enlisted Airmen.
"As a chief master sergeant, I can think of no greater way to honor a fellow chief and true pioneer, for enlisted Airmen, than to lower the flag in honor of chief master sergeant of the Air Force Airey and his life's accomplishments. I silently thanked Paul Airey, the man, for paving the way that all Airmen are afforded the tools necessary to have a successful military career."
Another member of the flag detail, Chief Master Sgt. Bryan Voigt, a Minneapolis, Minn., native deployed from Headquarters 4th Air Force, March Air Reserve Base, Calif., was grateful for being a part of this event.
"I am honored and privileged to be afforded the opportunity to pay tribute to Chief Master Sgt. Airey by participating in this retreat ceremony honoring him," he said. "He was a man who was highly respected by all; he was a true leader and mentor; and a pioneer who paved the way and laid the foundation for the rest of us to follow and build upon."
Airman First Class Brian Kummet's knowledge foundation began in basic military training's "Warrior Week." The groups there were named after the former chief master sergeants of the Air Force, said the Pierz, Minn., native deployed from Eglin AFB, Fla.
A volunteer in the retreat, he said he wanted to participate because "It pays tribute to the first major figure of the enlisted force."
With this experience, another proverbial brick was laid in that long road which is the first chief master sergeant of the Air Force's legacy. Another will be added when the flag flown here is sent to the Air Force Enlisted Heritage Research Institute's Heritage Hall, where those who see it on display will know the high regard in which the Airmen here held Chief Airey.
| Date Taken: | 04.04.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 04.04.2009 11:32 |
| Story ID: | 32015 |
| Location: | KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, IQ |
| Web Views: | 603 |
| Downloads: | 367 |
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