116th Medical Group promotes first female Chief in unit

by Tech. Sgt. Regina Young
116 Air Control Wing, Public Affairs

7/9/2014 - ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The 116th Air Control Wing here inducted their first female chief master sergeant to the Medical Group June 21.

Chief Master Sgt. Cynthia Haines was promoted to chief by Col. Muriel Herman, the first female Colonel to hold a commander position in the 116th MDG.

"It's so humbling; it's really an honor to wear this rank," said Haines on being promoted. "I hope that I will be an inspiration to the younger females."

Haines supports the Guard's regional mission as the superintendent of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and enhanced conventional weapons or CBRNE out of Atlanta. She also works one weekend a month as the superintendent of nursing services, the largest section in the group.

With more than 23 years of service in the medical field in the Air National Guard, Haines attributes her success to having been proactive and having been mentored by chief master sergeants.

Haines said that since was a teenager, she wanted to join the military but she waited until her 30's to join the Georgia Air National Guard.

Being a late starter, she said, "I didn't have any time to waste if I want to make it to the top."

According to Haines, she could not have achieved this milestone without the support of her husband and children.

Haines' goals now are to "teach and be a good mentor to younger Airmen," she said.