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Former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force visits Pope

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Vicki Johnson
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The eighth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Chief Sam Parish, visited Pope March 15 and 16.
The Air Force has seen many changes in the 21 years since the chief retired. 

"Tell me one thing that hasn't changed, from the size of the force, to our uniforms, to the way we complete our missions, it's all different now." 

One of the biggest changes he sees is in the quality of the Airmen. 

"This is the best group of Airmen that the Air Force has ever had," he said. "And I've seen every group since the Air Force was 7 years old. We have never been as good as we are today; we are the best, and we are also the smallest." 

Chief Parish was invited to Pope to speak at the 43rd Communications Squadron Dining Out, but also took time to speak to Airmen at the First Term Airmen's Center, Airman Leadership School and Air Force Sergeant's Association. 

"Having Chief Parish speak at our second annual dining out had a significant and lasting impact on our squadron," said Senior Master Sgt. James Morris, 43rd CS System Information Flight superintendent. "He was invited because we wanted to have an enlisted person who has held a prominent position in our Air Force to speak about enlisted heritage as we approach the Air Force's 60th birthday. Never did we dream that we would get one with more than 50 years of experience. Because of his position, he is actively engaged in current Air Force affairs at the highest levels and he provided incredible insight to our Airmen, NCO's and senior NCO's about why past decisions were made along with some new things that we can expect to see in our future." 

Based on his travels to bases in the United States and overseas, Chief Parish said the Airmen are excited about their jobs and dedicated to accomplishing the mission.
"What makes our force so valuable is that we are absolutely not afraid to roll up our sleeves and go to work," said the chief. "People stay in the Air Force because they like what they do and they feel like they are making a difference. That's why they stay. 

"The enlisted force will never quit as long as they know that leadership will do everything in their power to take care of them and their families. And never before have we worked so hard to take care of the families," said the Chief. 

"When I went to Vietnam we weren't allowed to call home, now you can call home from almost anywhere. 

"We don't pick and choose the war we go to. We all joined the Air Force for different reasons, but when called upon, we deliver. Our sons and daughters are defending the rights and freedoms of every American," Chief Parish said. 

We have a camaraderie in the military that the civilian sector doesn't have, he said.
"Immediately upon arriving at any base, I feel right at home, even if I don't know anyone, there is a sense of familiarity." 

The insight that the chief provided to the enlisted members of Team Pope is without measure. 

"While I've had the privilege of hearing Chief Parish speak on several occasions over the years, nothing compares to the mentorship I received as we interacted during preparations for his visit. This was definitely the highlight of my career," said Sergeant Morris.