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McChord’s Top NCO cares

Chief MSgt. Gordon Drake, front right, talks with Staff Sgt. Clinton Phillips, an air traffic controller. A former Marine, Phillips liked the way Drake talks with Airmen. /J.M. Simpson

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An engine run on a F-4 convinced Gordon Drake to join the Air Force.

"The recruiter took me out, let me climb into the back seat and experience an engine run," the 62nd Airlift Wing's highest ranking enlisted Airmen at McChord Field said.  "I was hooked."

Trained as an aircraft mechanic, 62nd Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant Drake came to his current assignment with 27 years of experience and a desire to take care of the field's Airmen and their families.

Drake pointed out that he has worked on F-4s, F-111s, F-15s, F-16s and A-10s.  

"I liked doing the dirty work, and I still miss the flight line," he said before meeting a group of non commissioned officers preparing to attend the Non Commissioned Officers Academy.

"What I really liked was seeing my name on the fuselage of the aircraft I was responsible for. I was proud of that."

That is the key to understanding Drake.  He is proud of the Airmen at McChord Field, the Air Force and this nation.

Put differently, he is all about the Airmen and their families.

"On this point, the commander and I are in full agreement.

Col. Wyn Elder commands the 62nd Airlift Wing.

On a busy last Monday, Drake and I spent most of our time visiting with Airmen, both active-duty and Reservists.

"You can't tell the difference between the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wing (Reserve)," Drake said after meeting with Air Reserve Technicians, or ARTs, Chief Sgt. Maj. Dan Morris and Chief Sgt. Maj. David Sanchez.

"That is a healthy and strong relationship," Sanchez pointed out.

After aligning his day's schedule with Staff Sgt. Michelle Beliel, his executive assistant, Drake was out the door and headed for the aircraft control tower.

Staff Sgt. Clinton Phillips, a former Marine, was surprised to see Drake.

"How you doing?" Drake asked as a C-17 taxied by.  "Everything going well?"

"Fine Chief," replied Phillips, "and everything is good."

As per his habit, Drake listened intently and addressed each Airman directly.  There was not mistaking his intent - he cares.

A bit later we dropped in on Pedro Saldana, a retired Soldier who runs the Dorm Management Office.

"We've come a long way with how we treat Airmen," Saldana said.  "The command climate - what the Chief represents - is great."

Drake said that mini Warrior Zones will be placed in many of the dorms.  

"A lot of a Airmen can't drive over to JBLM to visit the Warrior Zone over there, so we're creating a number of the zones here."

Drake also pointed out that the Army donated $100,000 to help fund the work.

"The best part of my job is interacting with these young Airmen," Drake explained.  "It keeps me young; they want to be ‘vectored.'"

As the day wore on, Drake visited a dormitory and presented a $1,000 check to the Airmen heading up the base's Airmen Against Drunk Driving program. He talked with Staff Sgt. Shane Richardson at the Munitions Flight "bomb dump," and attended several meetings.

"Too bad there's a 30 year limit for service," Drake said as I got ready to leave. "I like making things easier to Airmen."

All because of an F-4 engine run.

Photo: Command CMSgt. Gordon Drake listens to Staff Sgt. Shane Richardson talk about his plans for the holidays. /J.M. Simpson

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