SAVANNAH, Ga.-- U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Randy Ellis, assigned to the 165th Mission Support Group, chief, and Chief Master Sgt. Viviana Grisales, assigned to the 165th Medical Group, chief, both assigned to the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, located here at the Savannah Air National Guard Base were selected to participate in the National Guard's Senior Enlisted Leadership (SEL) Bench program for 2026.
The SEL Bench is a highly competitive, national-level program that identifies top-performing senior enlisted leaders across the Army and Air National Guard that aims to prepare selected E-9s for executive-level leadership through advanced education, joint-branch assignments and other targeted development opportunities.
“Being selected for the Senior Enlisted Leadership Bench is a unique opportunity to grow beyond my current scope and prepare for higher levels of service,” said Ellis. “I look forward to broadening my leadership perspective through advanced education, building meaningful connections with fellow chiefs and strengthening joint leadership alongside Army National Guard sergeants major.”
The program offers participants multiple development pathways, including professional military education, strategic assignments or a combination of both, tailored to enhance leadership capabilities across the joint force.
“The SEL Bench provides an opportunity to continue growing as a senior leader through education and experiential learning,” said Grisales. “I’m excited to pursue higher-level military education, sharpen my skill set and learn alongside senior enlisted leaders from across the force.”
“The opportunity these chiefs have to be on the bench will further develop them as leaders by exposing them to higher-level experiences that they can bring back to the Airmen of the Georgia Air National Guard,” said Col. Sheldon Wilson, the 165 AW commander. “Leadership development isn’t a one-and-done event; it should be a constant part of how we operate at all rank and levels of responsibility and this opportunity is a prime example of that.”
Selection to the SEL Bench reflects sustained superior performance and positions participants for increased responsibility within the National Guard’s senior enlisted leadership structure.
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