161st ARW introduces "Day in the Life of a Command Chief"

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Susan Gladstein
  • 161st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
PHOENIX SKY HARBOR AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE --  First-term Airmen assigned to the 161st Air Refueling Wing have a unique opportunity to experience a "Day in the Life" of the wing's command chief.

Chief Master Sgt. Johnny Smith, 161st ARW command chief, kicked off this new program Sept. 9, 2012, by allowing an Airman to shadow him for the day.

"I love the idea," Chief Smith said. "Going back to my days as an Airman, I was focused on my primary role and didn't have the opportunity to understand everyone's role around the base."

Chief Smith said that each and every Airman plays an integral part - no matter what their job is - in the mission of the 161st Air Refueling Wing.

"This is a great opportunity to show our Airmen that they do play a part (in our mission)," Chief Smith said. "This shadowing allows me to show our Airmen what a Command Chief's role is in the organization."

Senior Airman Anthony Jaros, 161st Maintenance Squadron, was the first Airman selected to participate in the "Day in the Life of a Command Chief."

Airman Jaros joined the Chief as he made rounds around the base. Chief Smith said that when he visits each shop, he looks for signs of stress and how he can influence changes to areas that need fixing.

"I think the thing that impressed me the most about the day was the fact that the Chief takes time out of his busy day to speak with people throughout the Guard and make himself available to resolve issues and find ways to improve the base," Airman Jaros said.

Supervisors, superintendents, first sergeants and commanders are encouraged to submit their first-term Airman, E-5 and below, and the reason why they should be selected for the "Day in the Life of a Command Chief" to the 161st ARW Public Affairs Office. Nominations can be submitted via email to 161arw.pa@ang.af.mil.