Chiefs give back to Airmen

  • Published
  • By Tyler Grimes
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Helping others is one of the cornerstones of the Air Force's mental pillar as part of the overall Comprehensive Airmen Fitness program. There are a number of associations dedicated to this cornerstone at Travis.

One of these is the Chief's Group, a non-profit private organization which supports enlisted Airmen through scholarship opportunities, special recognition ceremonies and picnics during base-wide events such as last year's air show, said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Yoakum, 60th Security Forces Squadron.

"We fed over 500 people each day of the air show based on the funds that we raised," Yoakum said. "(We) just try to set the example and help the enlisted force."

While the air show picnic helped feed bodies, the CG also helps feed Airmen's minds, he said. They give at least $1,000 in scholarships to Airmen each year according to Yoakum.

"Tuition assistance is available but there are still a lot of costs associated with going to school," he said.

To assist with those costs, the group hosts an annual push-up and sit-up challenge to raise money for their organization, Yoakum said. The challenge's participants received pledges from individuals to donate a certain dollar amount based on the number of push-ups and sit-ups completed by the participant. This event is an example of Airmen improving their stamina while helping others at the same time, both are cornerstones of the mental pillar, he said.

The CG understands that education is an essential element to the Airmen's professional growth and the future of the Air Force, said Senior Master Sgt. Valerie Solomon, 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

"It's important that we set the right example and provide them with the opportunities to develop so when we eventually retire and leave the Air Force in their hands they will be prepared," she said.

In addition to the scholarships, the CG recognizes outstanding Airmen who show good character, Yoakum said. They select exceptional Airmen every month to receive the Chief's Choice Award.

"We'll set up a date and time to go to that individual's work place and we will present them with a certificate and a coin just to show our appreciation for their dedication and hard work," Yoakum said.

The most recent recipients of the Chief's Choice Award were Senior Airman Ian Stevens and Tech. Sgt. Clifford Lintag, both from the 60th Communications Squadron. According to Yoakum, these Airmen offered vital assistance during former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley's speech for the Chief's Recognition Ceremony at Travis in January.

"There were a whole lot of things that were basically falling apart, these guys came to our rescue and made sure the event went on without a hitch," Yoakum said.
It was important for the CG to recognize these Airmen who exemplify the helping others aspect of the mental pillar, he said.

"Chiefs rely on the Airmen in their units to accomplish the mission every day," he said. "If Airmen are not mentally prepared the mission will fail, mentally strong Airmen know their limitations and have the courage to ask for help when they have no where or no one to turn to."

For Stevens, it was nice and unexpected to be commended for providing service when it was needed.

"I was surprised to receive an award for stepping out of my job requirements and just helping some people out," Stevens said. "It's something that we all should be doing."