U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jennifer G. Greer assumed responsibility as 445th Airlift Wing command chief from Chief Master Sgt. Gordon M.R. Wager during a change of responsibility ceremony April 12.
Col. Douglas A. Perry Jr., 445th AW commander, presided over the ceremony, highlighting the importance of the event as the Wing’s first change of responsibility ceremony. Perry thanked Wager for his contributions, calm demeanor and dedication to the development of the enlisted force.
“The wing command chief is the most senior enlisted leader to the wing commander, their key advisor on all enlisted matters, good order and discipline, welfare, morale, training, readiness and utilization,” Perry said in his remarks. “The command chief ensures the connectivity in the commander’s intent, policy, execution, driving forth development and the warrior ethos across the wing at all echelons. As Chief Wager’s tenure in the 445th nears its end, … he has, without any doubt, taken this wing’s enlisted corps to the next level.
“Thank you, chief, for your unwavering commitment to the team, selfless sacrifice and ongoing support,” Perry continued. “I fully expect great things are still yet to come.”
Wager took the opportunity to express his gratitude to his family members and colleagues, imparting his final wisdom to the personnel of the 445th AW.
“Here are my three Cs for growth: choices, chances, and changes,” Wager said. “You must make a choice to take a chance, or your life will never change.”
Wager then concluded with one last inspirational thought.
“Never underestimate your impact to the war fighter or the mission because of your proximity to the fight,” Wager advised. “I promise you, you are defending our nation, and you are making a difference.”
Perry then officially installed Greer as his new senior enlisted leader and wingman.
“Selecting the right person for the right job at the right time has always been challenging,” Perry said. “Chief Wager and I realized Chief Greer is the right person for this job at this time. She brings new ideas and high energy to the table and is ready to execute. I can guarantee she is going to enable this wing to continue to advance and develop the force, innovate and drive strong readiness and the warrior ethos. Welcome to the team.”
Greer came to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, where she was the senior enlisted leader of the 446th Mission Support Group. In her civilian role at JBLM, Greer works within the Engineering Services Division for the Directorate of Public Works.
During her remarks, Greer expressed her confidence in the talent, dedication and grit of the 445th Airmen and promised to connect with them and provide support.
“My commitment to you is that I will protect this culture, strengthen it and ensure that it continues to grow,” the new command chief said. “I will be your biggest advocate. I will listen to each one of you, and if there are barriers that keep you from being your best self, I will be right by your side breaking them down.”
Greer is now the senior enlisted leader of more than 1,700 assigned wing personnel from 16 units. The wing supports Air Mobility Command's global airlift requirements in peace, war, national emergencies and humanitarian efforts by providing strategic transport of personnel and equipment as well as aeromedical evacuation with their inventory of nine C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.
As command chief, Greer will advise the wing commander and staff on mission effectiveness, professional development, military readiness, training, utilization, health, morale and the welfare of the 445th AW’s enlisted personnel while serving as their liaison to the commander.
Serving as the wing's senior enlisted leader for the last three years, Wager relinquished responsibility as he moves to his next assignment at the 927th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill AFB, Florida.