Former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force visits Travis

Published May 7, 2007
By Airman Kristen Rohrer
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force visited Travis recently. Chief Robert Gaylor's (retired) arrival here May 2 was part of his annual tour of bases he takes to speak to Airmen.

Chief Gaylor spoke about his decision to join the Air Force, how he feels about today's Airmen and words of advice he would offer to new Airmen joining the Air Force.

"I was influenced to join the Air Force when I saw men coming back from World War II, I saw them come home proudly," said Chief Gaylor. "I knew there had to be more to life than Indiana and joined for a three-year enlistment."

When Chief Gaylor decided to join, he had no set plans of making it a career.

"I don't think I ever really made the decision to stay in, I just fell into it," he said. "In 1951, the Korean War started and getting out after my three-year commitment was not an option, the Air Force made the decision for me. After our daughter was born I couldn't afford to get out, it was meant to be that I stay in. I never agonized over the decision."

Once the Air Force introduced the ranks of senior and chief master sergeant, the chief said he had something more to work for.

"Master Sergeant used to be the end of the line until they introduced the new ranks," he said.

Chief Gaylor soon made senior, chief and eventually Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.

"The secret to my success is that I was always trying to be the best I could."
When describing the Air Force of post-World War II and the Air Force of today, Chief Gaylor spoke of how much it has changed for the better.

"I am totally impressed with Airmen today. They are better trained, more technologically skilled with high morale and motivation. I wouldn't travel to each base and still remain a small part of the Air Force if I didn't think so much of them," he said.

The chief also mentioned how diversity has made the Air Force stronger.
The Air Force brings together many different types of people, which helps the Air Force continue to succeed, he explained.

In order for the Air Force to keep advancing, Chief Gaylor said each Airman should remember a few simple things. "Every day you have to put forth your best effort."
Having pride in your work is important as well, he added.

"Pride is a personal thing, something that must be developed internally. It takes many forms, you must be able to balance and blend that pride with humility to allow yourself to be a team player."

"Keep a clean record and an open mind; some of the best things that have happened to me during my career weren't planned," he said. "It's a matter of attitude and willingness to try something new that will allow you to go far."