One percent of the one percent, 11 honored at Florida Military Top Enlisted Ceremony

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Cali Elliott
  • 920th Rescue Wing

Many Airmen dream of one day sewing on an eighth stripe, an achievement only one percent of Servicemembers within in the military will do.

For 11 Chief Master Sergeant’s from Patrick Air Force Base, Florida and one of its geographically separated unit at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona; that dream came true and they were honored during a Chief Master Sergeant Recognition Ceremony, April 5 in Melbourne, Florida.

Among some of the most senior enlisted stood Airman Basic Chance Tabor, the 920th Rescue Wing’s most junior-ranking individual. Tabor’s attendance symbolized the future of the world’s greatest Air Force and also to remind the honorees of their humble beginnings.

“Be humble,” said Chief Master Sgt. Shelina Frey, Retired Command Chief, Air Mobility Command, Scott AFB, Ill., guest speaker of the evening. “To be humble is to be modest without excess of pride. You were looking forward to this day and Airman Tabor is looking forward to the day he becomes chief. You were him, many years ago.”

Frey went on to say that the beginning of an Airman’s Air Force career isn’t the only time members are taught to be humble and how it’s crucial to remain so as they move up in rank and become mentors of others.

“The role of Chief means mentorship of the entire force,” said Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Lais, 308th Rescue Squadron Chief Enlisted Manager. “At the end of the day, you’re doing it all for somebody else. It’s not about me, it’s about them.”

During the event, a candle lighting ceremony was performed. Each of the nine candles were lit by a member within each rank, signifying the journey of Airmen as they promote into higher ranks throughout their career.

To bring the evening to a close, Brig. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess, 45th Space Wing commander, offered words of encouragement to the new Chiefs.

“I want to remind all the Chiefs that there is an Officer Corps that needs you”, said Schiess. “I don’t go a single day without a Chief providing me with advice. They’re a part of every decision I make.”

Those inducted are as follows: Chief Master Sgt. Tomeika P. Frazier, Superintendent, 45th Space Communications Squadron, Patrick AFB, Fla.; Chief Master Sgt. Randolph Livingston III, Superintendent, 45th Force Support Squadron, PAFB; Chief Master Sgt. Jeremy Buck, Superintendent, 920th Maintenance Group, PAFB; Chief Master Sgt. Christopher A. Lais, Chief Enlisted Manager, 308th Rescue Squadron, PAFB; Senior Master Sgt. Jake W. Thompson, SERE/Logistics Superintendent, 308th RQS, PAFB; Senior Master Sgt. Austin W. Brant, Helicopter Maintenance Unit Superintendent, 943rd Maintenance Squadron, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.; Senior Master Sgt. Mark D. Christie, Superintendent, 943rd Maintenance Squadron, DMAFB; Chief Master Sgt. Donald L. Corkum, Superintendent, 920th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, PAFB; Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Grant, Superintendent, 720th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, PAFB; and U.S. Army Master Sgt. Yadira Perez Santiago, Operations NCO, Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, PAFB.