PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Space Coast Chiefs’ Group held its annual Chief Master Sergeant Recognition Ceremony in Cocoa Beach, Florida, to honor 14 Airmen and a Coast Guardsman as they transitioned to the highest enlisted rank of chief master sergeant in their respective branches March 3.
The formalities began when senior Air Force enlisted leaders placed lanyards adorned with medallions around inductees’ necks similar to an Olympic Games medal ceremony.
“The ceremony was awesome,” said Chief Master Sgt. Tim Bianchi, 920th Rescue Wing Command Chief. “Since I have been here as a chief, it was by far the largest event of its kind because of the abundance of chiefs being recognized. I was thoroughly impressed that we also recognized a master chief petty officer select with the Coast Guard, demonstrating our total force commitment.”
Bianchi said there are usually only two or three inductees on average.
Volunteer Airmen formed a tunnel by lining up across from each other in two rows raising swords toward the center aisle. Each inductee was formally introduced to the crowd of approximately 225 attendees as they walked through it.
One of the chief selects, Senior Master Sgt. Dean Peterson, the 920th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent here, said his favorite aspect of the evening was sharing the moment with his family because of their love and support.
“I have deployed multiple times with the unit,” said Peterson. “While I'm away, my wife has always taken on all of the responsibilities of owning a home and raising two children. My children have also been very understanding. I can't understate the importance of having a good home life to keep your mind in the game while you’re away.”
Team Patrick Honor Guard presented the colors while Senior Airman Bobby Lucas, 45th Space Wing, played the national anthem on his saxophone. This quickly evolved into several toasts and loud cheers that engulfed the entire venue.
After a multi-course dinner, retired Army Col. Danny R. McKnight gave a presentation on leadership. McKnight is a celebrated hero portrayed in the movie Black Hawk Down based on true events. He was the commanding officer of the 3rd Ranger Battalion and led the ‘lost convoy’ during the Battle of Mogadishu on Oct. 3, 1993. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor device for his actions in 2002 and now works as a motivational speaker.
He relayed these sentiments to the honorees: "Leadership is not easy, but is actually fairly simple. A good leader is willing to make the hard-right decision while a less than good leader is more likely to make the easy-wrong decision. Good leaders will always earn the respect of their subordinates by leading from the front, especially in tough times," said McKnight.
Afterward, a row of candles representing the nine enlisted ranks were lit one-by-one as a narrator explained the significance of the leadership milestone associated with each ranks.
“Becoming a chief is the pinnacle of one’s enlisted career,” said Bianchi. “From there on, officers, sister services and even coalition partners look at you differently. At that point you have been given the task of leading the enlisted force.”
Culminating the evening, honorees officially took an oath to uphold the responsibilities that go hand-in-hand with being top tier military leaders; followed by closing remarks, the Coastguard Song, and finally, the Air Force Song.
Honorees included: Chief Master Sgt. Miguel A. Clavijo, 920th Mission Support Group; Chief Master Sgt. Anthony G. James, 920th Aeromedical Staging Squadron; Chief Master Sgt. Francisco R. Molina, 610th Command and Control Squadron; Chief Master Sgt. Ryan E. Morris, Air Force Reserve Command; Chief Master Sgt. Robb W. Musselman, Air Force Technical Applications Center; Chief Master Sgt. John M. Sosko; 720th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; Chief Master Sgt. Randolph J. Wells, 301st Rescue Squadron; Senior Master Sgt. Keith A. Hodge, Defense Intelligence Agency; Senior Master Sgt. Keith D. Long, 45th Security Forces Squadron; Senior Master Sgt. Chad E. Madore, Air Force Technical Applications Center; Senior Master Sgt. Joshua R. McGee, Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute; Senior Master Sgt. Dean Peterson, 920th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; Senior Master Sgt. Howard Smith, 943rd Rescue Group; Senior Master Sgt. Nickolas B. Swainston, 507th Security Forces Manager; ETCS Mark M. Allen, Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute