ACC command chief recognizes Holloman’s chief selects

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sondra Escutia
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The command chief of Air Combat Command visited Holloman March 13 to 15 and welcomed Holloman's newly-promoted chief master sergeants into the Air Force's top enlisted rank.

The ACC command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Martin Klukas, was the honored guest at the annual Chief Recognition Ceremony recognizing Chief Master Sgt. John Sedbrook, 49th Maintenance Squadron, and Senior Master Sgts. Barbara Krick, 849th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; Brian Labounty, 29th Attack Squadron; Neal Raben, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and German air force Chief Master Sgt. Holger Schwickert.

"It's certainly a big honor to become a chief and I'm humbled and thankful that Team Holloman invited me," said Chief Klukas. "I'm honored to offer some words of advice."

During the ceremony, he spoke about some of his experiences as a chief master sergeant that led him to believe "every day is a bonus," and stressed the importance of family in reaching the top one percent of the enlisted ranks. He thanked all of the families in attendance for their support.

"What I really want to do is thank all the family members, you all are a big deal," said Chief Klukas. "We could not do what we do today without the support, love and care from our families."

The ACC command chief, who has been a chief for nearly seven years, said his advice for the Holloman's newest chiefs was to "give back."

"Remember where you came from and then give back to the warriors that helped get you there," Chief Klukas said. "We don't make chief master sergeant by ourselves. It takes a group effort, so we have to make a concerted effort to make sure we are taking care of our warriors."

Senior Master Sgt. Barbara Krick, one of the five promotees who will soon sew on her ninth stripe, said her thoughts on making the top one percent of the enlisted force falls in line with Chief Klukas'.

"It's always enlightening to hear other chiefs talk of their experiences and the advice they give to the new chiefs," said Sergeant Krick. "We all want to make rank, but when you finally do and the shock wears off you start to realize how big a job you have taken on."

For the remainder of his visit, Chief Klukas was given a base-wide tour and saw the Holloman mission up-close for the first time. Although he visited the base to recognize Holloman's newest chiefs and chief selects, he left the base impressed with everything he saw.

"I think the base is absolutely fabulous," he said. "This is my first time to Holloman and, quite frankly, I'm impressed. The spirit of the warriors here is incredible ... it's in a beautiful place and the warriors are fired up and love what they do."