HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- In the midst of a global health pandemic, the Air Force mission still continues and Airmen are still recognized for their achievements.
Nine of Hill Air Force Base’s newest chief master sergeants were supposed to be recognized during a ceremony April 2. However, due to the COVID-19 crisis, all public gatherings were cancelled.
Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Walker, 75th Air Base Wing command chief, said reaching the rank of chief master sergeant is the capstone of an Air Force enlisted person's career and it's important to recognize such an accomplishment, even while navigating these challenging times.
"Reaching the top 1% is a major milestone, but we collectively have the responsibility of creating an environment where the other 99% of the enlisted force can continue to grow and excel," Walker said. "This is one of the most challenging times in our service’s history and we welcome our newest chiefs team in helping to take on these new challenges.”
Hill AFB’s newest chief master sergeants:
• Chad N. Fry, 388th Maintenance Squadron
• Aron R. Garrard, 388th Maintenance Squadron
• Yvonne L. Santos, 75th Force Support Squadron
• Fernando G. Ruiz, 388th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
• Christopher J. Kisse, 372nd Recruiting Group
• Joseph F. Osborn, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center
• Christopher D. Howell, Jr., 729th Air Control Squadron
• Kenneth F. Bernard II, 388th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
• Noel S. Price, 419th Maintenance Squadron
One of the new chiefs, Chief Master Sgt. Fernando Ruiz, 388th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, said he is thankful to all his fellow Airmen that have helped him on this path.
“My achievements and setbacks were both vital in getting me to this point in my career,” he said. “They served as roadside markers by either keeping me on course or in helping me to slow down and take heed of the danger that lied ahead.”
Ruiz said he is a little disappointed the ceremony was cancelled, mostly for his family.
“The ceremony was an opportunity to show their sacrifices were not in vain and to thank them for sticking by my side every step of the way,” he said.
Chief Master Sgt. Eric Engel, Hill Chiefs Group president, said they are still thinking of doing something to welcome them into the rank of chief master sergeant that fits within the COVID-19 guidelines.
“I know they were all disappointed, but being the great resilient leaders they are, we did not get a single negative word back from them. They fully understood what the world is going through,” Engel said.
“I am surrounded by amazing leaders and we are getting through this together,” Ruiz said. “You can remove every chief, and they would still get the job done.”