Esteemed friends in professionalism; Today I had the opportunity to attend two distinct retirement ceremonies.  The first was for a Chief Master Sergeant who had amassed over 29 years of faithful and honorable service and the second, for a Technical Sergeant who had accumulated nearly 19 years of service.  Granted there was a significant rank difference between both of these professionals and unforeseen circumstances caused the junior member to retire earlier than he had intended; however as I looked on at these career milestone events, I could not help

but this, “Who’s going to fill their shoes?”

I intently sat through the narration of their respective bio’s and listened to some of their great accomplishments which took place both here at home and contrarily in far away and often in austere environments.  Words such as “developed”, “pioneered”, “led”, and “first” were fired out during the presiding offers narration.  These power words were the result of grass roots leadership developed over time, through the ranks, and following a mistake or two along the way.  These accomplishments of this top-notched Chief and equally stellar Technical Sergeant laid the bedrock foundation of what we have today—the things we took and often take for granted.  These people “did” when others only “thought”.

Professionals, I want each one of you to dig deep and perform a self-diagnostic “gut check” of sorts.  Whether you are a fresh faced Airman Basic or a seasoned Chief Master Sergeant, each one of you is vital to the survival and development of our United States Air Force.  Moreover, as members of the Air Force Sergeants Association, each one of you is charged with making our association bigger, stronger, and more effective than our forefathers ever dreamed back in 1961.

As you progress through your careers or more importantly, through your lives…stop for a minute and reflect.  Think about this Chief Master Sergeant with 29 noble years or this Technical Sergeant who completed a nearly 19 year career and ponder what a AFSA-Lutely great sense of dedication these warriors in blue gave honorably, continuously, and selflessly  to the greatest nation the world has ever known.   Now, think about the void that has been left…put yourself in this situation and honestly think, when you are gone…..“Who’s going to fill YOUR shoes?”  Are you breeding your replacement…?

V/r

SMSgt Matthew “Mad Dog” Becker

AFSA Division 89 Trustee

AFSA Chapter 984 Vice President

“Lead Me...Follow Me…or Get Out of My Way”