Photo By Master Sgt. Charles Vaughn | Chief Master Sgt. Cindy L. Downing is the State Command Chief of the California Air...... read more read more
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Did you know March is Women’s History Month?
This month gives us an opportunity to take a look around us and learn something from the women leaders we work with. I had a chance to do just that with the highest ranking enlisted leader in the California Air National Guard, a woman who has served our great Air Force for almost 40 years. Chief Master Sgt. Cindy L. Downing is the state command chief of the California Air National Guard. She advises the California National Guard commander on all matters affecting training, health, and morale and welfare of all California Air National Guard Airmen.
Downing said what most inspires her are the Airmen of the California Air National Guard. “Watching our young Airmen giving 110 percent to everything we ask them to do is humbling,” she said. “As I go around the state, I’m in awe at the talents of these Airmen. Each wing has a unique mission and every day they work to get these missions accomplished.”
Much like other monthly observances, Woman’s History Month has different meanings for different people. Many people believe the purpose of Woman’s History Month is to honor those women who have come before us and have made a difference, to learn about someone different than ourselves and to celebrate women and our heritage.
“Diversity means that we are all different in some way, and it is these differences that make us great,” said Downing. “It is what we bring to the table, our thoughts, life lessons, experiences, and knowledge. When we embrace others opinions and statements it is these things that make us diverse and help us to grow.”
Downing enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in September 1976 and served on active duty for eight years as an administration specialist. In 1985 she joined the Washington Air National Guard as a personnel specialist, and in January 1986 she joined the California Air National Guard as a financial management specialist. Before assuming her current position, Downing was the force support squadron superintendent at the 144th Fighter Wing.
Women were first allowed to join the Air Force in 1948, serving in a separate organization, called Women in the Air Force (WAF).
The Air Force inactived the WAF in June of 1976. Downing entered the Air Force just months after the change.
“When I joined in 1976, females were discharged for pregnancies,” she said. “They changed the rules shortly after that and in 1978 when I was pregnant we weren’t discharged, but there were no maternity uniforms; we wore civilian maternity clothes. Along those lines, we now give leave to both mom and dad for births and adoptions.”
Downing explained that in the Air National Guard the most significant change she has seen is the acceptance of female maintainers at the fighter wing. “I spent 25 years at the 144th Fighter Wing and for the first 10 years I witnessed the male maintainers belittle and harass the small number of females in maintenance. Many women would leave or cross train instead of deal with what were referred to as ‘ole brown shoes,’ indicating they had been in the military since the combat boots were brown. I applaud these females for breaking the barriers. Today, Airmen work side by side, fully supporting each other.
“Another significant change is the respect that men and woman in the Air Force and Air National Guard give each other,” said Downing. “I believe we truly treat each other as professionals working equally side by side.”
Why did Downing join the Air Force, and why later the Air National Guard?
“I joined the Air Force because I couldn’t afford college,” she said. “Back in the late 70s, school counselors didn’t encourage folks to go to college unless your family had money. It is much different for our young folks today.”
Downing said she switched over to the Air Guard because it allowed her to remain in her hometown where she was raising infant twin sons.
What motivates her?
“What motivates me are my daily challenges,” she said. “I love working Airmen issues, keeping oversight on their quality of life within the California Air National Guard. My entire career I have worked in support of Airmen; finance, personnel, readiness and now as the command chief. Helping folks has always been important to me.”
A highlight of her career was being selected as the state command chief. “To be the highest enlisted member in one of the largest states in the nation—it is very humbling. I have been entrusted with the welfare of so many Airmen. The pride I feel at the mention of California at the national level is that of a parent when their children succeed. Being the California command chief feels awesome. It is such an honor and a big responsibility.”
Downing said, “The most rewarding part of my career has been to see the growth in my Airmen. Over the years we watch them mature into these amazing young professionals, working hard and living by the Air Force core values. It is humbling to think you had a small hand in that—so rewarding.
Whom does she most admire?
“I most admire my mother who is now 87. She raised 14 children without ever having her morals and values waiver. She instilled in us a great work ethic as well as many internal survival instincts. She is the strongest woman I know!”
When asked what she did to be successful in her career she explained, “I believe I was successful in my career because I always believed in the United Stated Air Force—I have a tremendous loyalty to my employer. Also, I never turned down any training; I wasn’t always thrilled to go, but I tried to keep an open mind—and I always tried to take something away from the training, usually always learning something new. I also believe another reason I was successful was that I always respected my bosses and co-workers—always looking forward to change because that meant that we were moving forward.”
Downing advised women in the Air Guard to strive to be team players, which will lead to the players on the team treating them with respect. “Always be professional, live the core values that are the foundation of who we are–both personally and professionally. Set long and short term goals while always being flexible.”
Downing said female Airmen should attempt to give 100 percent to both their families and their careers. The old saying that "if the Air Force wanted you to have a family they would have issued you one." Is just plain wrong.
“Family is important to the Air Force–we invest a lot of resources in support of our families. I believe that we have our professional family and our immediate family. At times we have to put more energy into one or the other, but we need to stay focused and keep both a priority.”
She credits her husband, Win Downing, with being a great mentor to her. He retired 10 years ago after 34 years of service. Her husband was the 144th Fighter Wing command chief for three years prior to retiring. “He was a born leader that engaged the entire wing on the changing Air Guard. I saw this in action and have to say it was very impressive. After 9/11 he was the first Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sergeant to go to Bagram, Afghanistan. He improved the quality of life of our troops to include getting beds to sleep on, gym equipment and decent meals. I am very proud of his accomplishments.”
When asked about the future of women in the military, Downing said, “I’m excited women are continuing to move forward. We’ve had them promoted to four-star generals—that is amazing. The number of females in leadership positions increases daily. They are open to change and think strategically. Our impact is felt every day as we meet mission requirements.”
“This is what I want all NCOs to realize daily,” said Downing. “What matters is the difference we make in the life of an Airman.”
| Date Taken: | 03.31.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.31.2015 12:53 |
| Story ID: | 158664 |
| Location: | CA, US |
| Web Views: | 254 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Cal Guard’s top enlisted Airman talks leadership on Women’s History Month, by SMSgt Julie Avey, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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