15th CMSAF mentors Airmen

by Airman 1st Class Nicolo J. Daniello
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

8/26/2015 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The 15th Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, Rodney J. McKinley, visited here Aug. 21, taking opportunities to mentor Airmen about doing the right thing, the value of people and getting the job done. He was also the guest speaker at the Senior NCO induction ceremony.

"The most important thing is being the best Airman that you can be and concentrate on doing what's right," the chief said. "Don't do things that you are going to regret, go out and do good things, not just to get that enlisted performance report bullet, but because doing the right thing is a good thing to do."

McKinley served as the highest enlisted member of the Air Force from June 2006 until June 2009. He promoted standardization across the board, including the enlisted performance reports, assisted in creating the Airman's Creed, promoted higher education for Airmen and their families, generated a tighter mission focus, and professional development programs.

"He's been very influential across the entire spectrum of the Air Force," said Master Sgt. Rory McKinnon, 92nd Force Support Squadron career assistant advisor. "We wouldn't be where we are today if not for him and the programs he put in place."

During his visit, McKinley gave advice to Airmen on the importance of doing the right thing and pushing one another to be successful and to get the mission done.

"Every person is valuable and every person needs to pull their own weight," McKinley said. "They may stumble and we may give an Airman a Letter of Counseling, but that doesn't mean we don't want them to succeed, we want them to be successful. We want Airmen to be successful and to get the mission done."

Since retiring from the Air Force, Chief McKinley travels from base to base as a guest speaker, mentoring Airmen whenever he can.