Chief McKinley makes first visit with Airmen since retirement Published Oct. 9, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Michael Charles Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The 15th Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, Chief Rodney J. McKinley, visited and answered questions from Airmen and civilians here Oct. 6 and 7; this was his first visit to an Air Force base since his retirement as Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force June 30. "This is my first time meeting with Airmen since retiring, and it feels great spending time with the Airmen who will push our dominance in air, space and cyberspace into greater heights in the 21st century," Chief McKinley said. "I have always said my biggest accomplishment wasn't because I was the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. It is the fact that I had the opportunity to make positive changes in other's lives and how proud I am to be an Airman." The chief began the day with a breakfast joined by 15 Airmen from different squadrons around Nellis and Creech at the Crosswinds Dining Facility here. Chief McKinley discussed a wide range of topics with the Airmen, from sports to the demands of serving in today's expeditionary Air Force. He also shared the lessons he learned as the top enlisted Airman in the Air Force. Additionally the chief also took time to discuss the upcoming changes to the Air Force fitness AFI and how the changes he helped to implement will go a long way in making sure the Air Force's fit to fight mission is accomplished. "I hope Airmen learned from the experiences Chief McKinley shared that, regardless of rank or position today, we all began the same, as junior Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Heinzen, 57th Wing command chief. "He was really down to earth and knowledgeable," said Senior Airman Mikel Figura, 99th Force Support Squadron food services specialist. After the breakfast Chief Master Sgt. Alfred Herring, 99th Air Base Wing command chief, and Chief Heinzen escorted Chief McKinley around the Samek Airmen's Center. The Samek Airmen's Center was recently renovated and renamed after Airman 1st Class Jesse M. Samek, a 66th Rescue Squadron flight engineer, died while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The chief continued his tour of Nellis with a trip to the 57th Information Aggressor Squadron and the 65th Agressor Squadron before having lunch with 15 noncommissioned officers from around Nellis and Creech at the Nellis Officers' Club. During lunch, Chief McKinley discussed the importance of their positions as NCOs. "Staff sergeants and technical sergeants are the backbone of the enlisted force structure," said Chief McKinley. "Not only do noncommissioned officers take care of the majority of the work, they also are in charge of training the new Airmen who come into the Air Force." Chief McKinley emphasized the importance of NCOs mentoring the Airmen below them at the luncheon and discussed questions and issues that were being addressed in the coming years. "It's refreshing to see that leadership understands and is addressing the concerns Airmen may have," said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Wheeler, 820th RED HORSE structural craftsman. "It was a wonderful opportunity getting to sit down and talk to one of the 16 Airmen who have served as the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force." Chief McKinley later stopped by the Airman Leadership School, where he took a tour of the heritage room and presented a coin to the ALS to add to their coin showcase. He also took time to talk to ALS class 09-G about the transition to an NCO and the responsibilities they will have in leading a group of Airmen under them. During the discussion, Senior Airman Kyle Dawkins, a 99th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle dispatch coordinator, was invited up to the front of the auditorium to do pushups with the chief to emphasize the important of fitness. "I was surprised he invited me up to do pushups," said Airman Dawkins. "I was even more surprised that he got down and did them with me, even though he had on a button-up shirt and slacks." Never missing an opportunity to thank Airmen, Chief McKinley concluded his visit with an unannounced stop at the Honor Guard building. There, he spoke to the entire team, which was present for weekly practice. The guardsmen were clearly surprised and appreciative that the chief made time for them. Chief McKinley's visit was a refreshing reminder that, even into retirement, you will always remain an Airman and have a link to all your wingmen in the Air Force.
