Congratulations chief selects! Published Nov. 14, 2007 By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Congratulations to Team Travis' newest chief master sergeant selects: Michael Belanger, 60th Maintenance Operations William Castleman, Band of the Golden West Patrick Scheuer, 60th Medical Surgical Operation Squadron Michelle Sobel, 60th Dental Squadron Dawneen Williams, 60th Contracting Squadron In 1959, congress established the rank of chief master sergeant, mandating that only one percent of the enlisted force serve in this prestigious grade. Chief master sergeants are leaders who possess the unique talents and display the personal characteristics required to manage Air Force people, programs and resources. There are 2,828 chief master sergeants in the Air Force today and you will soon join their ranks. You have displayed the potential for increased responsibility, in that you possess the attributes required to be a chief master sergeant. Thus, you have reached the pinnacle of your military career and will soon join the elite group of proud professionals; chief master sergeants. The holder of this rank represents the highest enlisted level of leadership in the Air Force, and as such, provides direction for our enlisted corps, establishes the standards for all to follow, and leads by actions rather than words. Selects, life in our Air Force as you now know it today will soon change, not because you were promoted to E-9 but because you are now a chief master sergeant. People will now view you differently, place higher expectations upon you and cling to your every word. Therefore, your word must be your bond, and your actions that of a chief master sergeant. As a chief you must uphold the tradition of military life, set the highest example, ensuring all personnel are treated with fairness and dignity. Understand you are a chief because of those who came before you and as such you must support your fellow chiefs, among whom we place honor, integrity and trust above all else. Each of you should be extremely proud of your accomplishment, keeping in mind that being a chief master sergeant is not about you and doesn't mean you have arrived. On the contrary, it means your journey has just begun. Don't forget you could not have attained your eighth chevron without acquiring your first chevron. And, although we will now refer to you as chief, you remain an Airman. Never forget from which you came, and remain humble, well done! Again, congratulations on your selection to chief master sergeant. Team Travis have a great weekend; be safe, make responsible choices and I'll see you around campus.