72nd ABW command chief master sergeant moves to AFSC

Published Aug. 3, 2012
By Brandice J. O'Brien
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Former Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center and 72nd Air Base Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Vegas recently began his new assignment and it's groundbreaking. In fact, he sets the standard for successors as the first-ever Air Force Sustainment Center command chief master sergeant. In comparison, the AFSC is similar to a Numbered Air Force and the 72nd ABW reports to the AFSC; so for those of you who are wondering, this is a move up for Chief Vegas.

Chief Vegas arrived at Tinker in spring 2010 to serve as the 72nd Air Base Wing command chief master sergeant. But, shortly after his entrance, then OC-ALC Commander Maj. Gen. David Gillett expanded his duties to cover the center. During his tenure, he has become a recognizable face and beloved member of Team Tinker and many Airmen said they will miss him every day as his office will now be in Bldg. 3001 and he will be traveling to the other AFSC bases. In turn, the chief said he is excited for the new opportunities and challenges, but will miss the daily interaction at the wing level with his Tinker teammates as he is extremely proud of them.

"I couldn't be prouder of this team. They have exceeded every expectation, raised the standards of professionalism, conquered every challenge and exceeded every goal," said Chief Vegas. "They won awards at every level - Department of Defense, Air Force and Air Force Materiel Command - but, their legacy is more than accolades, it is support the Wildcatters provided to its mission partners and the capability the ALC delivered to the warfighter."

Within the OC-ALC, Chief Vegas advised the commander on enlisted matters and worked closely with leadership of the 72nd ABW, 76th Maintenance Wing (now the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex), Aerospace Sustainment Directorate (now deactivated), and home and staff offices to resolve morale issues, concerns and problems.

Though a career medic before coming to Tinker, he fit in with the organization and quickly became someone to admire, said Staff Sgt. Quinton Green of the 72nd Medical Support Squadron.

"Chief Vegas has a rare professional coolness that allows him to communicate effectively with each of the enlisted tiers. He arrived in the 72 ABW and wasted no time making sure that his presence was felt in this community. By way of his implementation of the Community College of the Air Force mentoring program, requirement of airmen to meet a board prior to receiving wing-level recognitions, and direct efforts to motivate airmen to broaden their Air Force perspective, he did just that," Sergeant Green said. "I will miss his weekly positive email messages, and I hope that someday I can borrow from his excellence."

Master Sgt. Kavina "Kay" Agnew agreed. She is a first sergeant for the 72nd Force Support Squadron, Logistics Readiness Squadron, Comptroller Squadron, Operations Support Squadron, and the AFSC home and staff offices.

"Chief Vegas displays impeccable, consistent and unwavering integrity," she said. "My favorite 'Vegas-ism' is, 'Shirt, are you going to do the right thing or the easy thing?'"
Though the chief's move is simply across base, he has a whole new element of the Air Force to learn - maintenance.

His peers and supervisors said he is the right person for the job.

"Chief Vegas is a great teammate," said 552nd Air Control Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Eddie Compton. "He's always looking out for the common sense approach to help our Airmen. This will serve him well in the new job."

Col. Steve Bleymaier, 72nd ABW and Tinker installation commander, agreed and reflected on their time together.

"I've been honored to work with Chief Vegas while in the previous OC-ALC and now the past seven months as the 72nd ABW Commander. Chief Vegas is a genuine servant leader and is always serving our Airmen with his time and talents," Colonel Bleymaier said. "I couldn't have asked for a better command chief and teammate to lead Airmen, take care of our Airmen and families, and develop our people. The chief is a man of action and he truly sets the example in all of these areas.

"Although I will miss working with him at the wing level, the good news is we will all get to continue working with the chief in his new position as the AFSC Command chief, and Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., and Scott Air Force Base, Ill., will now also benefit from his leadership," Colonel Bleymaier said.

Chief Vegas said he is ready for to support the more than 30,000 personnel and AFSC Commander Lt. Gen. Bruce Litchfield's vision for the organization.

"I'm excited and humbled and ready for this new challenge. I'm looking forward to getting out and communicating face-to-face with the men and women of the Air Force Sustainment Center," Chief Vegas said. "Also, I am eager to assist the commander in effectively and efficiently supporting the warfighter by clarifying his intent as well as identifying and eliminating obstacles that prevent our Airmen from accomplishing the mission."