State command chief warrant officer promoted

Photo By Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry | Chief Warrant Officer 5 Chris Jennings, Indiana command chief warrant officer, receives his new rank from his twin daughters, Ashley, left, and Kaylee during a ceremony at Indiana National Guard headquarters in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017.  

BROWNSBURG, IN, UNITED STATES

02.16.2017

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Lowry 

Indiana National Guard Headquarters

The Indiana National Guard promoted its state command chief warrant officer during a ceremony in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017.
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Chris Jennings, a Brownsburg resident, received his new rank from his wife, Lisa, their twin daughters, Ashley and Kaylee, and Indiana’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Courtney P. Carr.
Carr spotlighted Jennings’ technical acumen and leadership prowess calling him an impeccable leader who sets the example for others to follow.
“The warrant officers are the experts in their respective areas. So here we have Chief Jennings, not just the expert in his specific field, but he has risen to the pinnacle in the rank of warrant officers,” said Carr. “So that speaks to his technical expertise in avionics, but also in the leadership in his development of the warrant officer corps.”
Carr also thanked the Jennings’ family for their support of him and the Indiana National Guard.
“Your support of Chris’ career is what allows him, and all of us, to get to where we’re at. So thank you very much for your sacrifices and helping him get to this great achievement,” said Carr.
Jennings during his speech likened success to a good recipe for brownies.
“If you don’t use all the ingredients that the recipe calls for, you get some nasty tasting brownies,” said Jennings. “In the military we need all the proper ingredients too. We need soldiers of character to serve with. We need leaders and mentors to challenge us.”
Jennings also said the recipe includes the citizens of the United States and family support.
“Our recipe also includes a strong homefront so we have a rock to stand on,” said Jennings. “We need an anchor and people worth fighting for. We are here because of the people, and we need them to be here for us as well.”
Jennings, who has served nearly 35 years in the military and is a two-time combat veteran, has been the Indiana command chief warrant officer since April 2016.
Carr said that promotions are not only recognition of past soldiers’ achievements but also potential for their future endeavors.
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• Date Taken: 02.16.2017
• Date Posted: 02.24.2017 09:17
• Story ID: 224317
• Location: BROWNSBURG, IN, US