Patrick Air Force Base ceremony honors newest chiefs

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Paul Flipse
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 920th Rescue Wing's three newest chief master sergeants were honored during a Chief Induction Ceremony held here Friday, April 10 at the Manatee Cove Golf Course club house.

At roughly 6 p.m., the trio of honorees entered the building. Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Neitzel, operations superintendent, 943d Rescue Group, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona; Chief Master Sgt. Robert Briere, chief enlisted manager, 304th Rescue Squadron, Portland International Airport, Oregon; and Chief-select, Senior Master Sgt. Michael Ziegler, senior enlisted manager with the pararescue squadron here.

The three men passed beneath a sextet of crossed swords, raised by the saber cordon in honor of the vast dedication, steadfast service and innumerable sacrifices required to achieve the Air Force's highest enlisted rank.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were 45th Space Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Nina Armagno, her vice commander Col. Shawn Fairhurst; 920th Rescue Wing Commander Col. Jeffrey Macrander, 920th Command Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Bianchi, special guest speaker, Chief Master Sgt. Douglas Kestranek, and, representing the Space Coast Chief's Group, which hosted the ceremony, retired Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Pannitto (date of chief's rank - April 1, 1964).

The process by which wing leaders identify, analyze and select potential candidates to recommend for chief is an extensive and painstaking one.

According to 943rd Rescue Group Commander Col. Harold Maxwell, who helped select Chief Neitzel, one of the things that distinguished Neitzel was his performance in a previous job of a similar nature.

"It was his background as a first shirt," said Colonel Maxwell. "His former commander said he was the best first shirt he ever had."

Lt. Col. John Graver, commander of the 304th Rescue Squadron, said the way he knows an Airman is ready to be a chief is based on a time-based mental mindset - when the candidate has embraced certain philosophies Colonel Graver feels is key to the position.

"When they understand it's no longer about them," he said. "When they understand the role is to support the entire enlisted force without being job specific. When they embrace the ability to say, 'we're in this together.'

The evening's festivities included a ceremony during which small candles, affixed to each separate enlisted Air Force rank from Airman Basic all the way to Chief, were lit by Airmen representing each rank to signify the journey each of the honorees made and which led them to the highest enlisted peak.

Tech. Sgt. Jared Kerns of the 920th Rescue Wing's Maintenance Operations Flight sang the Star-Spangled Banner as the colors were posted by the Patrick AFB Honor Guard.

Toasts were offered by a select few of the dozens of chiefs in attendance toasting, among other things, to the U.S. flag, the U.S. president, the Air Force's chief of staff and chief master sergeant, as well as to the newest chiefs.

Before the evening came to a close, General Armagno stepped to the podium to offer words of praise and encouragement to the new chiefs. She said her idea of what it means to be a chief revolves around one ideal that gives them the ability to affect and enable all Airmen - including her.

"It means true leadership - not just of the enlisted, but of the entire force," she said. "My whole career, I've always had the benefit of chiefs mentoring me."