After dedicating almost 33 years to the Air Force Reserve, Chief Master Sgt. Gloria Bennett, 446th Airlift Wing command chief, will retire and pass on her duties to Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Mack, March 31.

Mack, currently the 86th Aerial Port Squadron first sergeant, will begin his new duties April 1.

"Gloria Bennett's leadership, professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm have set the standard for (Reservists) in the 446th AW," said Col. Bruce Bowers, 446th AW commander. "We will miss her leadership and I will miss her counsel. Senior Master Sgt. Mack, a longtime wing member, has dedicated his life to serving and will be an invaluable asset to all at Team McChord."

Bennett reflected on her experience as she passes the torch.

"Being able to represent the enlisted Reservists of the 446th is an incredible honor and a highlight of my career," the Olympia native said. "The wing has a long-standing reputation for excellence and is well known for its professional and dedicated people, who excel in all facets of its mission. Selected from a broad range of highly-qualified candidates, Sergeant Mack's combination of passion, will, and caring attitude, allowed him to rise to the top. He will continue to make a positive and tremendous impact on the enlisted force in the wing."

Mack discussed his goals for the wing's future.

"Developing Airmen is the core purpose of the enlisted force," the 22-year Reservist said. "Colonel Bowers has entrusted me to collaborate with wing leadership to lead some of the finest Airmen in the world. This new position will also allow me to continue the tradition of honor and excellence in the 446th AW. The ‘weekend warrior' stigma is gone and it's my job to help train citizen Airmen to execute the global airlift mission on a daily basis."

Bennett has spent her entire career, which began in 1979, at McChord. She was assigned to the 446th Field Maintenance Squadron, 446th Military Airlift Wing, McChord Air Force Base, as a jet engine mechanic. She worked on C-141 Starlifter aircraft and was the assistant maintenance superintendent during the transition to the C-17 Globemaster III.

Mack has also been at McChord his whole career. The Lacey resident enlisted in the Reserve in 1986 and was assigned to the 446th MAW as a heavy airlift aircraft technician, working on C-141s. His first sergeant experience started in the 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron after spending 11 years in the aircraft maintenance field. He has been with the 86th APS since 2008.