15th CMSAF visits Altus AFB, talks core values

by Airman 1st Class Klynne Pearl Serrano
97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

7/19/2013 - ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (ret.) Rodney McKinley shared his experiences and gave advice to Airmen during his visit to Altus AFB, July 19, 2013.

After meeting with Altus AFB's senior leaders, McKinley met with the Senior NCO inductees who are to be honored at the SNCO Induction Ceremony scheduled to take place later this evening.

During his time with the inductees, McKinley shared his experiences as CMSAF and emphasized the importance of having a good relationship with the Airmen they lead.

"It's how you can motivate and inspire other Airmen," McKinley said. "It basically boils down to relationships and getting the mission completed. When I look at a Senior NCO, it's not just about them. I look at who they are leading and how successful those people are. Our job is to make our people better and build more leaders."

McKinley then spoke with Altus AFB's First Sergeants. Since McKinley spent approximately 10 years as a First Sergeant during his time in the Air Force, he shared his thoughts on how rewarding it is to be a First Sergeant.

"Probably the most rewarding part of this job is seeing my Airmen be successful--to see them succeed," McKinley said. When I had Airmen who were going down the wrong path and I knew I just needed to get their attention. When you're able to grab those Airmen and shake them up a little bit. Then point them to the right direction and to see them succeed and become very successful Airmen, what can be better than that? You had the effect on someone's life in a positive way."

Later, McKinley offered his insight to the future leaders and supervisors attending Airman Leadership School.

"It is tough transitioning from a junior enlisted to a supervisor," McKinley said. "One day you have some friends who may be your peers and the next day you may be their supervisor. That's a very difficult transition to make. You don't necessarily have to give up that friendship with the people who you may now be supervising, but there is a line you need to be careful not to cross. When you are a supervisor, you have to be able to lead. There has to be that respect and your Airmen should want to follow you. It's about your character, living your core values every day, and treating people right."

McKinley's vision for the future of a well-grounded enlisted force focuses on the Air Force's core values.

"At the end of the day, it really boils down to our core values--Integrity, Service and Excellence," McKinley said. "If we live by those core values, we treat people with dignity and respect, we will get through any issues that we have--even money issues. We're still going to be the premier Air Force in the world and taking care of America's needs."