Views From The Rooftop
by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cambria Lynn Ferguson
April 19, 2020

As U.S. Air Force members begin their careers ... the whole Airman concept of obtaining professional competence, maintaining job responsibilities, honing leadership skills, being active volunteers and furthering education can be overwhelming.

In fact, four members of Team Seymour characterize these traits ... and were recognized for their respect achievement of being promoted to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant during the Chief’s Recognition Ceremony on February 7, 2020 at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.

CMSgt Martin Sebok, CMSgt Bobby Hines, CMSgt Anthony Grubb and CMSgt Richard Phillips were celebrated for reaching the highest enlisted grade of Air Force service members and have gained insight along the way to share with Airmen on personal growth, a variety of leadership styles and career progression.

“My goal is to pass along whatever knowledge I have and help people progress in different aspects and avenues,” said CMSgt Bobby Hines, honoree. “I’ve learned good and bad from so many people. If I can help you be a better person, you’re automatically going to be a better Airman. That’s my only goal.”

“My first couple supervisors definitely got me on the right path that stuck with me my career,” said CMSgt Martin Sebok, honoree. “One got me out of the initial Airman mentality. I decided if I was staying in that (Chief) would be my goal. Depend on other people, you can’t do it by yourself.”

“I never expected to make Chief. I’m a maintainer, that’s a big enough challenge,” said CMSgt Richard Phillips, honoree. “I love aircraft, I love what I do, but there was always someone taking care of me. Be proud of what you do. People will move mountains for you and you’ll be right there next to them pushing them.”

“Making Chief really gave me an opportunity to understand where value comes from,” said CMSgt Anthony Grubb, honoree. “This uniform is a part of you, but it is not all of you. Our value doesn’t come from the stripes we wear on our sleeves, it’s how we contribute to the Air Force and the mission and the Airmen.”

It’s a Chief’s duty not only to enforce standards but by example, be the standard all ranks emulate - to care and guide our enlisted force while keeping the needs of the Air Force in the forefront of their minds. “Even though you’ve culminated in rank, you have a responsibility to continue to learn and impart that wisdom to the Airmen who will look up to you,” said Col. Brian Montgomery, 4th Fighter Wing vice commander. “You now have access to any door you want. The challenge is to make sure we provide you what you need to continue to grow and development to become the best Chiefs you can possibly be.”

Note... Minor editing by USA Patriotism! without impacting the article's message.

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