Chiefs: The Legacy Continues

  • Published
  • By Senior Airmen Ben Sutton
  • 181st IW/PA
     On Saturday, Feb. 12, the 181st Chief's Council held an induction ceremony for newly promoted Chief Master Sgt. Joshua D. Hall. The following day the wing retired Chief Master Sgt. Dennis A. Williams.
     After 19 years of service, Hall has reached the pinnacle of the enlisted force. He took the time at his Chief's induction to recount the steps and individuals in his career that encouraged him to continually strive for the next rung in the ladder of success. Hall said, "my primary focus is the careers of the enlisted members of the 181st and I will help those servicemembers by communicating effectively, continuing to give 100%, challenging members to reach for the stars, and most of all leading by example."
     "I am extremely proud of Chief Master Sgt. Hall," said Col. Don J. Bonte, Mission Support Group Commander. "Chief Hall has been an outstanding enlisted man from the day he came to the unit, and he will continue to be a great asset as a Chief Master Sergeant. He is a fantastic leader and has always emulated the Air Force core values, and he will continue to strive to ensure that each and every Airman reaches his or her peak professionalism within the Indiana Air National Guard," said Bonte.
     "On behalf of the entire 181st Chief's council, I would like to congratulate Chief Hall and his family," said Command Chief Master Sgt. Henry K. Mook. "The best thing about having Chief Master Sgt. Hall on board is that he is a chief for the future of this base."
     Airmen of all ranks came by and congratulated him on his wonderful accomplishment, most telling stories to each other of how Hall inspired or motivated them by his outstanding example.
     As Hall proudly prepares to join the Chief's Council, he is given the privilege of following great chief's before him, like Chief Williams.
On Sunday, Feb. 13, Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Williams retired after 30 years of service to the United States Air Force and the Indiana Air National Guard. Williams said, "I was able to get to the top because of support, encouragement, guidance, and at times a few swift kicks."
     During his extremely eventful career, Williams said his proudest moment was during a deployment when his traditional guardsmen were conducting small, impromptu classes to active duty Airmen who specialized in only one area of the services job in order to pass the career development exams.
     Col. Jeff Hauser, 181st Wing Commander, stated that he was glad he selected a traditional guardsman to lead the enlisted force as the wing command chief. "The wing would not be where it is today if not for the efforts of Chief Master Sgt. Williams," Hauser said.
     Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, The Adjutant General for the Indiana National Guard, congratulated Williams on a tremendous military career.
     "I know Chief Master Sgt. Williams for what he really is, both a leader and a friend," said Maj. Robert Wellum, Force Support Squadron Commander. "When it comes to his Airmen, he is not afraid to tell anyone regardless of rank that they have done or said something that lacks talent or compassion. He has truly helped shape me and countless others into the officers or non-commissioned officers that we are today."
     Williams said, "Being a chief, and more importantly a command chief, is about taking care of the Airmen."
     A true Racer felt congratulations to Chief Master Sgt. Williams on a career full of amazing memories and Chief Master Sgt. Hall on achieving the top rung of your enlisted ladder.