Photo By Staff Sgt. Melanie Bulow-Gonterman | Retired Chief Master Sgt. Robin Brooks expresses her gratitude during her retirement...... read more read more
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MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.-- Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
For Chief Master Sgt. Robin Brooks, 6th Medical Group superintendent, her life has been defined by committing 27 years to serving our great nation.
At the age of 17, the Calumet, Michigan native, enlisted into the Air Force just two weeks after receiving her high school diploma. At that moment, the first milestone in her lengthy career was achieved, accomplishing the Oath of Enlistment.
Once a person takes the Oath of Enlistment, he or she is making a promise to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. They pledge to bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
The oath commits them to obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over them, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Brooks has raised her right hand and recited the Oath of Enlistment seven times. During her career, she has experienced and overcome different challenges, which led her to become a part of the top one percent of enlisted Airmen.
“I knew I was a lifer the moment I joined,” said Brooks.
Her career began as a medical laboratory technician; and as she progressed through the ranks, she ventured outside the medical field and became a professional military education instructor and subsequently went on to become a first sergeant.
“My time as a first sergeant was one of the most privileged jobs I occupied,” said Brooks. “Being the first sergeant meant I had the responsibility to care for, develop and mentor all Airmen.”
Throughout her career, she distinguished herself as a top performer. So it was no surprise that during her six years as a first sergeant, she was recognized as First Sergeant of the Year three times at the base level and numbered Air Force level, earning her an Air Force Recognition Medal. She was also a part of the U.S. Air Force Team of the Year, First Sergeant Team.
“Whatever your job is, do your best in it every single day,” said Brooks. “Always keep learning, and jump at any opportunity to do a special duty. It will increase your experience base and develop you more as a leader.”
Although the Air Force will be losing an outstanding leader, Brooks’ legacy will live on through the Airmen whom she mentored.
“As I quickly approach my retirement, I am overwhelmed with emotion,” expressed Brooks. “This is all I have known for my entire adult life. However, I am very much looking forward to spending some extra time with my family.”
Brooks’ honorable service has reflected magnificent credit upon herself and the Air Force. On July 10, 2015, family, friends and co-workers celebrated Brooks’ career and achievements during her retirement ceremony.
Brooks plans to spend her retirement investing in real estate within the South Tampa area to provide military families affordable homes near the base and spend quality time with her husband retired Chief Master Sgt. Rob Brooks and their four children.
| Date Taken: | 07.10.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.15.2015 10:27 |
| Story ID: | 170068 |
| Location: | MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FL, US |
| Hometown: | CALUMET, MI, US |
| Web Views: | 30 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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