Chief Master Sergeant Tasha Barnes of the 452nd Force Support Squadron has spent
decades serving in the United States Air Force, learning, mentoring, and leading with a style
rooted in responsibility, resilience, and growth. Her journey and philosophy reflect what it
truly means to be a leader.
“For me, leadership comes with a lot of responsibility,”
Barnes shared. “It’s about taking risks, learning from failures,
and maintaining a positive attitude. Every failure is a lesson
on what not to do.” She believes that leadership isn’t just
about making decisions but also about paving the way for
others. Mentorship, she explained, is an essential part of the
process, ensuring that the next generation is prepared to
lead.
Feedback is another cornerstone of Chief Barnes’ leadership
philosophy. Early in her career, she rarely received the
feedback she needed, which shaped her commitment to
providing constructive guidance to others. “It’s so important
to set expectations and give consistent feedback,” she
explained. “It doesn’t always have to be formal; even a quick
conversation in the hallway can go a long way in helping
someone grow.” For her, feedback is about fostering growth
and helping Airmen excel in their careers.
Throughout her career, Barnes has relied on mentors to help
her navigate challenges and opportunities. She fondly
recalled the impact of Chief Thornton Bachi, a former
command chief at the wing.
“She was motivating, hardworking, and always encouraging,” Barnes said. “Mentors are
vital because they provide guidance when you’re not at your best or need advice from
someone who’s been in your shoes.” After 30 years of service, she credits mentorship as a
key factor in her success, emphasizing its importance for every Airman.
Looking to the future, Chief Barnes encourages Airmen to embrace continuous learning
and personal growth. “Even as a chief, I’m still volunteering for courses and conferences,”
she said. “Never stop seeking knowledge, both personally and professionally, and be open
to opportunities outside your comfort zone. You never know where they might lead.”
Reflecting on her career, she offered a simple yet powerful piece of advice: “Keep learning,
keep growing, and always look for ways to improve yourself and those around you. That’s
how you lead and excel.”
Chief Barnes embodies the Air Force’s values of integrity, service, and excellence, setting
an example for others to follow. Her dedication to mentorship and growth leaves a legacy
for the next generation of leaders to carry forward.
| Date Taken: | 02.04.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.13.2025 15:47 |
| Story ID: | 545533 |
| Location: | MARCH AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 9 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, CHIEF’S ON LEADERSHIP - CHIEF BARNES, by MSgt Wendy Day, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
