Team Hill's newest chiefs

  • Published
  • By A1C Melissa Dearstone
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HILL AFB, Utah --  The Chiefs Recognition Candlelight Ceremony honoring the 2010 newly selected chief master sergeants was held Feb. 12 at Club Hill.

The ceremony recognized six Team Hill honorees and their hard work, dedication, loyalty and sacrifice as they achieved the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force. The ceremony also included guest speaker Chief Master Sgt. Tammy Elliott, 20th Air Force Command Chief at F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.

"Being a chief, you are now a leader," said Chief Master Sgt. David Nordel, 75th Air Base Wing Command Chief. "You are everybody's chief now and you have to learn how to lead outside your comfort zone."

The rank of chief master sergeant was established by Congress in 1958 and only makes up 1 percent of the entire Air Force.

"We have all worked hard to be where we are at and should be equally proud," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Eisenberg, 388th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Superintendent. "Being a chief puts us in a better position to speak and fight for our Airmen or organization."

Eisenberg believes that it is a common misconception that preparation for promotion to chief master sergeant starts when you sew on master sergeant.

"That couldn't be further from the truth!" said Eisenberg. "When the board reviews your records they look back for an extensive period and are looking for sustained performance, awards, adaptability, performance results, accolades, versatility, hard work, commitment and sacrifice."

With all the time, effort and traits one must possess to become a chief, once promoted there is more than a handful of duties and responsibilities given to the individuals.

Eisenberg feels time management is one of the biggest challenges he has faced since becoming a chief master sergeant. He says it's a constant challenge to be available for his Airmen, non-commissioned officers, senior non-commissioned officers and leadership while juggling numerous other responsibilities.

"I must constantly remind myself that if someone is standing in my office with an issue then that should be my only priority at that moment and on top of all that, I must allow time for military and community volunteering and my family time," Eisenberg said.

According to Airforce.com, the average time in service for an Airman promoted to chief master sergeant is 22 and a half years. Once selected, most chiefs serve for as many as 30 years. With that much dedication and time to the Air Force, it takes a special person to become a chief master sergeant.

"Coming up through the ranks, I've always admired and respected chiefs who were approachable, straight shooters, open-minded and not afraid to occasionally get involved or get their hands dirty," Eisenberg said. "I think that is what makes a great chief and what we can look forward to with our new chiefs in the future."