Airmen can go through many changes in their Air Force careers, from duty stations to titles and to Air Force Specialty Codes and even rank, things are constantly changing.
One of the most profound changes that a service member can experience is reaching the height of all enlisted grades, E-9.
At the Team McChord Chief Master Sergeant Induction Ceremony, Feb. 6, the following individuals were recognized for their selection to the highest grade possible:
- Chief Master Sgt. Norman Best, 446th Maintenance Squadron fabrication flight chief;
- Chief Master Sgt. Roy Blanchard, 446th Recruiting Squadron recruiting flight chief;
- Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Miller Jr., 62nd Aerial Port Squadron passenger terminal superintendent;
- Chief Master Sgt. Brandi Rayna, 86th APS superintendent of plans and programs;
- Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Frese, 627th Logistics Readiness Squadron superintendent;
- Senior Master Sgt. Erik Johnson, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron blue aircraft maintenance unit assistant superintendent.
Those recognized were joined by family, friends, and fellow chiefs to honor and recognize their dedication and progression through the ranks.
"The main intention of the ceremony is to welcome the inductees into a small and elite fraternity of servant leaders," said Chief Master Sgt. Joe Blackman, 8th Airlift Squadron superintendent, who helped plan the ceremony as a member of the McChord Chiefs group.
"Another intention is to remind the inductees and guests that 'chiefs get things done,'" said Blackman. "This ceremony is the epitome of this phrase in that all tasks, events and planning are done by chiefs in large."
Due to a congressional mandate, only one percent of all Air Force enlisted personnel can hold the grade of E-9, and selections for promotion are made using both Weighted Airman Promotion System points and a Central Evaluation Board that reviews the individual's promotion record.
"It truly is a momentous event," said Blackman. "Everyone came together to show an outpouring of gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices and hardships endured by these individuals to get to this point in their career."
The inductees heard remarks about making the rank from Chief Master Sgt. Tony Mack, 446th Airlift Wing command chief, and Chief Master Sgt. Gordon Drake, 62nd AW command chief.
"This is the last time it's about you," said Drake. "From this moment on, your careers are dedicated to the people you're responsible for. Never forget that those stripes are about the ability and responsibility to impact all those with whom you come in contact with."
Senior Airman Rebecca Blossom is with the 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs.
