Air Force Legend Speaks at 59th MDW Annual Awards Banquet

by Senior Airman Courtney Moses
59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

3/10/2014 - Joint Base San Antonio- Lackland, Texas -- Retired Chief Master Sgt. Robert D. Gaylor, the fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, was the featured speaker for the 59th Medical Wing's annual awards banquet at the Gateway Club, Feb. 28, 2014.

Born in 1930 in Bellevue, Iowa, Gaylor entered the Air Force in 1948, just one year after the service became its own military branch. Today, more than 66 years later, he's is the oldest living person to hold the branch's highest enlisted position and continues to be an active, spirited part of the Air Force community - touring and speaking to Airmen of all ranks around the country.

During his speech, Gaylor highlighted several keys to success - attitude, education and hard work.

"Attitude is everything," he said. "If you don't have the proper attitude you won't succeed. Airmen face obstacles that challenge their attitude, to include drawbacks and the retention boards to reduce the size of the Air Force which will question their commitment and how they prove they're indeed an asset."

He also stressed the importance of continuing education and self-improvement.

"There's nothing more exciting than learning," Gaylor said. "You must be open to learning something new every day that will enrich your life and those around you. If you don't have the drive to learn and educate yourself, what example are you setting for the new Airmen who look up to you for guidance? How will you succeed?"

"Think for a moment why we are here," he said. "Tonight we are here to recognize the people in a variety of categories who have been nominated for their performance and because of the way they pursue their career and so they're evidence of what I'm speaking about."

The 59th MDW 2013 annual award winners were:

Airman of the Year: A1C Treg Davis, 59 MDOG

Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: TSgt Rolando Guerrero, 359 MDOS

Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: MSgt Lamond Barnes, 359 MDSS

Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt Michael Kan, 559 MDG

Civilian Non Supervisor of the Year Category I: Ki'ana Simons, 359 MDG

Civilian Non Supervisor of the Year Category II: Douglas Scalf, 59 DG

Civilian Non Supervisor of the Year Category III: Tory J. Johnson, 59 MDSG

Civilian Supervisor of the Year Category I: Rolton Lovett, 559 AMDS

Civilian Supervisor of the Year Category II: Howard N. Garb, 559 AMDS

First Sergeant of the Year: MSgt Jason Fitts, 59 DG