Re-enlisting after 23 years Published Nov. 29, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Whitney Jackson Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Chief Master Sgt. Michael Klintworth, 57th Wing command chief, re-enlisted Oct. 31, 2011, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., to continue serving his country. He has already served an honorable 23 years and plans to continue serving until he reaches his full 30 years. "Continuing to serve is all about mission, people and giving," said Klintworth. Klintworth joined the military in October 1988 after finding that many jobs did not provide a sense of value in the organization. "I didn't know why what I did was important or how my work tied into the mission and vision of the organization I was working for," said Klintworth. "Working was just a means to an end and I was just showing up for work." Over time, after joining the military, he began to see the value of his service, but it was not right off the bat. "It was my supervisors who took the time to explain the value of my contributions," said Klintworth. "As I promoted and matured I didn't require an explanation of this and I became that supervisor, responsible for ensuring my Airmen weren't just showing up for work. As an Airman, I clearly know how I contribute to the Air Force and wing missions and am motivated by the results. The key for every Airman is to understand how he or she ties into the mission. In the 57th Wing, we prepare our Air Force for tomorrow's victories!" When it comes to the people, I serve with some of the most amazing individuals in the world... Airmen who, although motivated to join the Air Force by a variety of reasons, serve by choice, not because they are required to. They have the same set of values that I hold dear--integrity, service, excellence--and they are ultimately willing to sacrifice their lives for the betterment of their country, Klintworth said. He continued by stating that it is Airmen (subordinates, peers and supervisors) who daily inspire, motivate and excite him about being an Airman, and who make him proud to wear the military uniform. Klintworth is not only motivated by Airmen and the mission, but his family as well. Klintworth stated that he would not be here if his family and friends did not support him as well. His family is the foundation upon which he operates. Klintworth's wife and two sons make daily sacrifices so that he can do what he loves... serving his country. Klintworth continued to say that he will forever be thankful for their love and support because without them, he would not be who he is today. When it comes to giving, Klintworth believes he has a lot to offer. "The Air Force has made a great investment in me: taught me a valuable trade, developed my leadership, instilled in me sought-after values and provided further education opportunities to name a few," said Klintworth. "For this, I feel an obligation to provide a return on investment, which I will continue to do for as long as the Air Force will allow me. "I'll continue to serve everyday like today's my last, because there may only be one opportunity to make a difference," said Klintworth.
