99th Air Base Wing bids farewell to command chief Published June 10, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Aileen Carter Nellis Public Afffairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The 99th Air Base Wing family bids farewell to their Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Robert Brooks, who has served almost two years as the senior enlisted adviser to the 99th Air Base Wing commander and a mentor to Airmen. As the enlisted voice for the 99th ABW, the chief's day typically began at 6:30 a.m. and ended at various times in the evening. He is constantly on the go. In addition to providing guidance and addressing issues affecting Nellis Airmen, the 99th ABW command chief also takes care of the health, welfare, discipline and professional development of the Airmen in the wing. Chief Brooks said some of the most memorable experiences included watching the more junior ranks grow and excel. "I will remember the one or two-stripers and lieutenants that are worth their weight in gold but will never see it in a paycheck," Chief Brooks said. "They are the ones that make our mission happen, enduring challenge after challenge that would crush a lesser force. They are in my mind, at least an equal to our 'greatest generation." However, there were also trying moments that tested the Nellis community. "The most challenging moment was the 'Summer of Sadness'- the multiple deaths, consequent to motorcycle accidents, suicide and plane crashes," said Chief Brooks. "Perhaps, the most impacting to my position was the suicide during ALS [Airman Leadership School] that the class and instructors had to endure. It was an amazing display of human compassion, resilience and professionalism all in one." To overcome this hurdle and similar challenges, Chief Brooks initiated a 'relationship building campaign'- where Nellis leadership devoted time to creating an environment, which encouraged supervisors to stay vigilant and help their peers. This provided another means to bridge any existing gaps and boost morale. It also serves a reminder to supervisors to stay involve. "It's been an honor to serve at Nellis, and I will forever cherish my time with the men and women here," Chief Brooks said. "I hope I have in some small way elevated the enlisted professional. I eagerly look forward to my next, and perhaps - the greatest Air Force challenge: to lead in a contingency environment!" Chief Brooks is on his way to the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing in Afghanistan. Chief Master Sgt. Alfred A. Herring, previously the superintendent of the 821st Air Base Group, Thule Air Base, Greenland, succeeds as the new 99th ABW command chief.
