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USTRANSCOM's first senior enlisted leader retires

  • Published
  • By Bob Fehringer
  • U.S. Transportation Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth McQuiston, U.S. Transportation Command's first senior enlisted leader, retired from active duty today, amid family, friends and co-workers who packed the Seay Auditorium to wish him well.

"It's tough to leave a place full of such great people," Chief McQuiston said. "It's like leaving a team that wins the Super Bowl, every day. My family and I are excited about entering a new phase of our lives, but sad to leave here (USTRANSCOM)."

Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, USTRANSCOM commander, has known McQuiston for much of his career.

"There's two things I'll always remember about Chief McQuiston." General McNabb said, "One, is (his) taking care of, and being an absolute champion for, our enlisted people and their families.

"And then the second part is him being an ambassador for the command to make sure that people understand what we do, working with folks to make sure that we bring the full capability of TRANSCOM to the needs of combatant commanders we support, and making sure everybody understands what a vital role we play. He's done that superbly. It's been very beneficial, not only to the Air Force, not only to TRANSCOM, but, really and truly, to DoD."

Command Sgt. Maj. Tomas Hawkins now occupies USTRANSCOM's top enlisted position.

"I am humbled by the opportunity to join the TRANSCOM team," Sergeant Major Hawkins said. "I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead in being the first Army command sergeant major in a position traditionally held by an Air Force command chief."

Sergeant Major Hawkins has held every NCO leadership position from team leader, squad leader, platoon sergeant, first sergeant to command sergeant major during his career.

"I've gotten to know Command Sgt. Maj. Hawkins as the SDDC sergeant major," General McNabb said. "I'm very honored that he has agreed to come be the command sergeant major and I look forward to him being my right hand man, just like Chief McQuiston. I absolutely rely on that to make sure that we are always thinking about our great enlisted force and looking for ways we can improve their lives, as well as their families'."
Sergeant Major Hawkins said he is ready for the challenge.

"I plan to bring the same energy from SDDC by being committed, dependable and relentless to TRANSCOM," Sergeant Major Hawkins said, "to help ensure that a promise made is a promise kept."

General McNabb said, "Command Sgt. Maj. Hawkins and his lovely lady, Rosylum, will bring a little different perspective. Obviously he will be the first Army command sergeant major to hold this great position, and I look for building on the foundation that Chief McQuiston played such a large part in building. I know he will build upon that, and I'm really excited about working with him in this capacity.