Top Tier

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Neal Moser
  • 53d Electronic Warfare Group
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Wow...what a journey it's been, from when I was a slick sleeve/green pickle Airman basic in September of 1981 at Lackland AFB.

I was worried about making chief, as usual; you never really know how the board will treat you year-to-year and how well you tested.

The overall percentages went down this year and that was cause for more worry.

A bunch of my co-workers, as well as a few of the wing's chiefs and Col. Mark Simpson, 53d Wing vice commander, all conspired to surprise me in my office.

It worked; I thought I had messed something up by the discussion outside my office. All I could think was, "Now what did I do wrong?"

Colonel Simpson told me my boss was on the phone and really upset at me and I was out of uniform.

I asked, "Is this my boss Col. Greg Dragoo or my boss Col. Ken Wilsbach?"

Then Colonel Simpson said I needed to be wearing these chief stripes.

What a relief to know I wasn't really in trouble and to top it off I am being promoted to the highest enlisted rank. It means everything in the world for me to have made chief this year.

I couldn't have done it without the support of my wife Tamara, sons Brandon and Corey, family members, and numerous other Airmen retired and active duty still helping/motivating me along the way.

I would also like to thank my Mom and Dad, three brothers and sister for all they have done over the years to take care of me. Dad, rest in peace and know I think of you daily ... you are my inspiration and I know you're looking down on me. Mom, I love you too and thanks for everything you continue to do for me.

To make chief is a true honor. It also means that I can "give back" to my fellow Airmen.