CHIEF'S ON LEADERSHIP: CMSgt Benjamin’s Perspective
By Oz Suguitan
For U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Tammon I. Benjamin, leadership is less about the stripes on your sleeve and more about the journey--one shaped by mentorship, self-improvement, and a genuine commitment to those you serve. Benjamin serves as the senior enlisted leader for the 452nd Civil Engineering Squadron, March Air Reserve Base. With nearly two decades in uniform, Benjamin’s story is a testament to the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone, investing in others, and building a transparent, connected team.
Learning Leadership, One Step at a Time
Benjamin’s leadership journey began with ten years on active duty, starting in Alaska and truly taking root at Nellis Air Force Base. “I didn’t know much about leadership at first,” he admits, but it was at Nellis where mentors took him under their wing. Senior leaders encouraged him to pursue education, get involved in squadron organizations, and challenge himself through special duties. “They had a thing called speed mentoring, where you could talk to different chiefs. They’d say, ‘Get your education done, volunteer, and challenge yourself.’ That’s the path I followed.”
One pivotal moment came when Benjamin, a self-described introvert, was pushed to lead a team in Airman Leadership School. “I was nervous-my heart was racing-but once you start, you realize everyone’s looking to you. You just deliver.” That experience, he says, taught him the importance of embracing discomfort for growth and seeing the broader Air Force mission.
Benjamin credits his mentors for inspiring his pursuit of education. “I already had my bachelor’s, but they pushed me to get my CCAF and eventually my master’s in criminal justice.” This commitment to lifelong learning not only opened doors but set an example for those he now leads.
People First, Always
If there’s a single thread running through Benjamin’s leadership, it’s the principle of taking care of people. “I was always told: take care of your people the way you want to be treated, and you’ll go far. I take care of my guys, and they take care of me--it makes my life easy.” He fosters a culture of open communication, encouraging ideas from every direction: “If you have a better idea, we’ll use it. I’m open to anything.”
For Airmen looking to follow in his footsteps, Benjamin is clear: set a roadmap. “Start with the basics, get qualified, get involved, challenge yourself, and hit your milestones-ALS, NCOA, Senior NCO Academy. I wrote a map for them so they know exactly what to accomplish and when.”
Benjamin’s proudest moments come from seeing those he’s mentored succeed. “I still get calls from people I taught-‘Hey, I made senior, I made chief, thank you.’ That’s the impact you want to have.” He’s quick to credit his wife’s sacrifices, too, acknowledging the family support behind every service member’s success.
Transparency and Trust
Above all, Benjamin believes in transparency. “Everyone wants to know what’s going on. If they don’t have information, they don’t know how to progress.” He advocates for sharing knowledge at every level, ensuring no Airman is left guessing about their path.
Benjamin’s story is proof that leadership is a journey built on mentorship, humility, and a relentless focus on developing others. His legacy is not in accolades or awards, but in the success of the Airmen who follow.
“Be transparent, take care of your people, and challenge yourself,” Benjamin says. “If you do those things, you’ll grow-and so will everyone around you.”
| Date Taken: | 05.04.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.27.2025 13:57 |
| Story ID: | 496963 |
| Location: | MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 11 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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