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Dover holds annual Chief's Induction

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman James Bolinger
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Dover's annual Chief's Induction Ceremony honored the base's newest chief master sergeants March 16 at The Landings Club.

The ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of 13 Dover chief master sergeants and chief selects from both the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings.

"Tonight is about tradition and this ceremony is similar to the ones being conducted at bases all around the world," said Chief Master Sgt. Larence Kirby, 436th Medical Group superintendent and one of two masters of ceremonies for the night. "Many of the same symbols and words used here tonight will be used in those gatherings. As chief master sergeants, we are sustaining and passing on our proud enlisted tradition and building our camaraderie as military professionals."

Each chief entered the room escorted by family or friends while walking under six cordons in a sword arch held above their heads by fellow chief master sergeants.
Chief Master Sgt. Dave Kavaky, 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and Dover's newest chief, parked the 'Chief's Jeep,' a toy Jeep the newest chief master sergeant in the wing carries as a part of their initiation, to begin the night's festivities.

Shortly afterward, retired Chief Master Sergeant Joe Harrison sang the national anthem.
 
A somber Prisoner of War and Missing in Action ceremony followed, acknowledging the heroes who couldn't attend the ceremony.

While dinner was served, a slide show presentation of the inductees was played, and the cake was cut.

"(Senior Master Sgt. Gregory Smith), we acknowledge you as the junior chief by virtue of having the highest line number," said Chief Kirby. "We ask that you cut the cake for this evening's event."

With those words, Sergeant Smith cut the cake, symbolizing the bond between new and present chief master sergeants.

"It is a huge honor to make chief," said Senior Master Sgt. Wayne Whetsell, 436th Communications Squadron. "It's a new start for me because it brings with it even greater responsibility and opportunity to make a difference."

After dinner, Chief Master Sgt. David Popp, Air Combat Command command chief, shared some of his experiences and knowledge with the inductees.

Once Chief Popp told the inductees what it would take to become a 'real' chief, Chief Master Sgt. Michael Branum, 436th Aerial Port Squadron, presented the command chief with a monetary donation in his name to the Air Force Enlisted Village.

Sergeant Whetsell reflected back on what his plan to become a chief was when he joined the Air Force.

"My dad is a retired Marine and I grew up in that environment. After being in the Air Force for a little while, I though it would be an awesome accomplishment to make chief, but I never had a plan as a 'slick sleeve' to make it," said Sergeant Whetsell. "I later figured out that it was obtainable if you worked for it. So my plan was to work hard, continue to grow professionally and see what happens."

After Chief Popp stepped away from the lectern, the chiefs-to-be inducted lined up in preparation for the candle lighting ceremony.

Each chief-to-be lit one candle for every tier in the enlisted rank structure: airman basic through senior master sergeant.

"Just as these eight candles were lit on behalf of the enlisted ranks that represent the journey to chief, each of you, as new chief master sergeants must light your hearts and minds to inspire your troops," said Chief Master Sgt. Al Long, 512th Airlift Wing member and master of ceremonies.

As 'keeper of the flame,' the senior ranking chief in attendance, Chief Master Sgt. David Burke, 512th Civil Engineer Squadron, lit the final candle, which symbolizes the rank of chief.

Finally, Chief Master Sgt. Angela Williamson, acting superintendent 436th Mission Support Group, gave the Chief's Charge.

Then all chiefs, retired, active duty and Reserve in the audience stood as the Chief's Creed was recited.

After the creed, presentations were made to each inductee; they each received a plaque presented by Chief Popp and a figurine of a Native American Chief presented by Chief Branum.

After the presentations, Col. Sam Cox and Col. Rutland, 436th and 512th AW commanders respectively, gave their compliments to the new inductees, and Chief Branum concluded the ceremony with the rap of a gavel.