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CMSAF returns to Tinker

  • Published
  • By Micah Garbarino
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., --  Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley, the service's top enlisted Airman, returned to the Sooner state Feb. 18 for a visit to Tinker.

After spending 1994 to 2000 as a first sergeant for several units here, the chief said he's always been impressed with Team Tinker and that impression has never wavered.

During his visit, the chief met with base leadership, lunched with Airmen, toured areas that have an impact on Tinker Airmen's quality of life and the future capabilities of the logistics center.

At the luncheon, Airmen had questions for the chief, questions he says come up often at other bases as well. Uniform changes, physical fitness standards and career advice are hot topics. They are worth asking because the chief is "very much involved" in those ongoing issues at the Pentagon, he said.

"They were excited about the Good Conduct Medal being reinstated. That is something that affects a lot of enlisted Airmen, and prior-enlisted officers as well. Airmen are proud to wear this medal," Chief McKinley said.

The modern Airman's life can be challenging, the chief said, and during his two-and-a-half years as Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, his top priority has been to take care of Airmen and their families -- enlisted, officers, civilians and contractors.

"There is a lot of stress out there. Not only are we in the middle of two wars, but we're also in the middle of a financial crisis and that affects every Airman and their families," the chief said. "We all have to recognize that and do things to alleviate added stress."

The improvements that Tinker is attempting to make in Airmen's quality of life are meant to provide that relief.

The chief said the dorm's new Latte Lounge, an informal meeting place where Airmen can socialize or seek help, was "incredible."

"Any time we can help Airmen socialize, get out of their dorm rooms, give them the opportunity to speak to a chaplain about a personal problem, that is tremendous. I'm very impressed," Chief McKinley said.

The chief was also impressed with the progress made here in housing privatization, which is in full swing. Privatization allows the Air Force to provide better homes without the sometimes lengthy wait for military construction projects, the chief said.

Taking care of Airmen helps ensure mission success by providing Airmen a solid foundation, a foundation which will be needed in a shrinking Air Force.

"We are a much smaller Air Force than we have ever been. Every Airman matters. Every Air Force Specialty Code matters. We need Airmen to be proficient. We need them to take their job seriously," Chief McKinley said.

A big part of that job here at Tinker involves the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center. "I visited the Air Logistics Center and the new Tinker Aerospace Complex. There is tremendous capability here for the future. I'm really glad that the Air Force was able to do that, because it's not only good for the Air Force, but for Oklahoma City and the state of Oklahoma as well," Chief McKinley said.

Chief McKinley's visit to Tinker came the day before he was recognized by the University of Oklahoma's College of Arts and Sciences with the Distinguished Alumni Award on Feb. 19. The chief earned a Master's Degree in Human Relations from OU in 1999. 

"I'm very humbled that OU has recognized me in this way," Chief McKinley said.