Pararescueman promoted to chief master sergeant

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Luke Johnson
  • , 943rd Rescue Group Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  With only one percent of the enlisted force holding the distinguished rank of chief master sergeant, Airmen from the 943rd Rescue Group witnessed a rare promotion ceremony to the highest rank an enlisted Airman can reach.

Chief Master Sgt. Chris Tellsworth with the 306th Rescue Squadron was promoted to his current rank in front of family, friends and group Airmen during a promotion ceremony held during the October Unit Training Assembly weekend.

"I've served in the Air Force for 33 years and I've never had the privilege of presiding over a promotion ceremony to the rank of chief master sergeant," said Col. Harold Maxwell, 943rd Rescue Group commander. "I've only witnessed a handful of chief master sergeant promotion, these events are very rare."

Colonel Maxwell remarked that Chief Tellsworth took action to make positive things happen in his Air Force career.

"(Chief) Tellsworth isn't here today ready to be promoted to chief master sergeant because he stood back and let things happen," said Colonel Maxwell. "He is here because he made things happen; he took action, took action to become a pararesuman, took action to participate in numerous deployments and was part of the initial assault in Afghanistan."

He also spoke about the importances of family support in the success of his promotion to highest enlisted rank.

"He would not be standing here today if it were not for the support and the sacrifices of his family," said Colonel Maxwell.

Chief Tellsworth spoke of the dedication of the 943rd RQG and pararescue Airmen to getting the mission done at all costs.

"I see a bunch of people out here who I respect," said Chief Tellsworth. "I also see a lot dedication and hard work in the group; it's an honor for me to be a part of this rescue group."

He also spoke of accepting his new role as chief of the 306th RQS.

"I know I've got a lot of responsibly to the 306th RQS, the wing and the group, and I'm going to strive to do the best that I can," said Chief Tellsworth.

Chief Master Sgt. Chris Tellsworth graduated from the Pararescue Apprentice course in 1995 and has held a variety of operational and tactical positions throughout the Air Force and the Reserve's.

Also during the ceremony, several other non-commission officers were inducted as senior NCO's and other 306th RQS Airmen were promoted: Master Sgt. Mervin Fernandez to senior master sergeant, Master Sgt. Richard Stevens to senior master sergeant, Tech. Sgt. Eric Fernandez to master sergeant, Tech. Sgt Richard Stevens to master sergeant, Staff Sgt. Alan Plante to technical sergeant.

The following were inducted as senior NCO's: Master Sgt. Sean McBride, Master Sgt. Jasper Howard, Master Sgt. Joel Morgan, Master Sgt. Maurice Bedard and Master Sgt. Ryan Morris.

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