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Ceremony officially welcomes five Reservists to top Air Force enlisted rank

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Moody
  • 446th Airlift Wing
Five new chief master sergeant Reservists with the 446th Airlift Wing here were recognized during the 16th Annual Chief Master Sergeant Induction Ceremony at the McChord Consolidated Clubs March 5.

More than 200 guests were invited by the honorees, including past chiefs and commanders who had an impact on the inductees' careers, said Chief Master Sgt. Gloria Bennett, 446th AW command chief. Their attendance gave historical perspective to the occasion and provided an opportunity to thank each of them for helping the inductees grow in their careers, said Chief Bennett.

During the ceremony, the honorees are charged to meet the challenges of higher responsibility while enhancing a proud tradition of personal dedication and unified achievement.

Achieving this rank is truly a reason to celebrate as only the top one percent of the Air Force's enlisted structure attains this milestone.

"It makes you feel special because there are only a few people throughout McChord Field that get to experience this ceremony and we had good representation from the 446th," said Chief Bennett.

Reaching the pinnacle of Airmanship within the enlisted corps was proudly celebrated by the inductees, including Chief Master Sgt. Karilyn Schmidt, first sergeant for the 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

"It is an honor to be selected as chief," said Chief Schmidt.

Chief Schmidt shared the evening's induction ceremony with several members of her family, Reservists, friends, and past commanders whose mentorship made a difference in her career spanning more than 20 years.

Mentoring future leaders is an ambition shared by many, including Chief Master Sgt. William Smith Jr., fire protection manager with the 446th Civil Engineer Squadron.

"I was proud to take part in the chief's induction ceremony," said Chief Smith. "Not only does the position allow me to help shape our team's future leaders, but it allowed me to achieve a personal goal - following in my father's footsteps, who was also a chief master sergeant."

Other 446th AW Reservists inducted were Chief Master Sgt. Saudi McVea, 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Chief Master Sgt. Steven Rector, 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Locke, 86th Aerial Port Squadron.