Tinker's newest chief master sergeants recognized

Published March 4, 2008
By Darren D. Heusel
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Friday, Feb. 22 is likely a day that will not soon be forgotten for the eight newest chief master sergeants at Tinker Air Force Base.
   Not because that was the day the base's newest chiefs were formally welcomed into the Air Force's most senior enlisted rank during a formal recognition ceremony at the Tinker Club.
   But because they were fortunate to have former Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David J. Campanale headlining the festivities.
   Chief Campanale, the 11th person to be appointed to the Air Force's ultimate noncommissioned officer position, provided the eight newest chief inductees with seven points to ponder as they embark on their new journey of being an effective leader.
   He also epitomized what it's like to lead by example, having sacrificed time celebrating his wedding anniversary, giving up box seats to the Boston Celtics-Phoenix Suns basketball game and leaving behind a sick child.
   Chief Campanale talked about "living the Spartan life," "caring for Airmen and their families," "keeping everything in perspective and doing your best even when it's the worst of times," and "keeping things simple."
   The former CMSAF also told the new chiefs to "be silly sometimes," "be committed," and "never forget where you come from."
   "Chief Campanale is a diehard Boston sports fan, so you know he is committed if he chose to be at Tinker instead of going to the game," said 72nd Air Base Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Eric Harmon.
   The honorees being inducted included: Chief Master Sgt. Lamond L. Tate, 513th Air Control Group; Chief Master Sgt. Phillip L. Brand Jr., 507th Air Refueling Wing; Chief Master Sgt. Carl D. Butler Jr., 513th Air Control Group; and Senior Master Sgt. Nathaniel McGuire, 72nd Aerial Port Squadron.
   Also being inducted were: Senior Master Sgt. John C. Jasper, 552nd Maintenance Squadron; Senior Master Sgt. Leslie B. Doncaster, 966th Airborne Air Control Squadron; Senior Master Sgt. John R. Martin, 552nd MXS; and Senior Master Sgt. Gregory Amelsberg, 552nd MXS.
   The rank of chief master sergeant and senior master sergeant were created by Congress as part of the Career Compensation Act of 1958 and are a direct byproduct of the explosion in technology that took place during and immediately following World War II.
   These ranks did not exist prior to 1958 when master sergeant was the highest enlisted rank. Congress created the super grades as part of the CCA to relieve grade suppression by enabling services to promote above master sergeant.
   The basic plan provided that each service could promote 2 percent of the enlisted force to senior master sergeant and 1 percent to chief master sergeant.
On Dec. 1, 1959, chief master sergeant became one of the most elite ranks in the Air Force, similar to the ratio of general officers.
   As former CMSAF, Chief Campanale was advisor to the secretary and chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force on matters concerning the welfare, effective utilization and progress of enlisted members.