Dover holds chiefs' induction ceremony

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class James Bolinger
  • 512th Airlift Wing
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Dover’s annual Chiefs’ Induction Ceremony honored the base’s newest chief master sergeants March 10 at The Landings Club.

The ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of 16 Dover chief master sergeants and chief selects from both the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings.

“Tonight is about tradition, and this ceremony is similar to ones being conducted at bases all around the world,” said Chief Master Sgt. Larence Kirby, 436th Medical Group superintendent and master of ceremonies for the night.

Each chief entered the room escorted by family or friends while walking under six cordons in a sword arch held above their heads by fellow chief master sergeants.

Chief Master Sgt. Marland Jonas, 373rd Training Squadron superintendent and Dover’s newest chief, parked the “Chief’s Jeep,” a toy Jeep the newest chief master sergeant in the wing carries as a part of their initiation, to begin the nights festivities.

Shortly afterward, Lt. Col. Thomas Kauth, 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, sang the national anthem.

A Prisoner of War and Missing in Action service followed, acknowledging the heroes who couldn’t join the ceremony.

While dinner was being served, a slide show presentation of the inductees was played, and the cake was cut.

“(Senior Master Sergeant Biondo), we acknowledge you as the junior chief by virtue of having the highest line number,” said Chief Kirby. “We ask that you cut the cake for this evening’s event.”

With those words, Sergeant Biondo cut the cake, symbolizing the bond between new and present chief master sergeants.

After dinner, Chief Master Sgt. Lewis Monroe III, Air Force District of Washington and 11th Wing command chief, shared some of his experiences with the inductees.

“To our newest chiefs, the night may belong to you, but remember your family,” said Chief Monroe. “This night may be yours, but they built it.”

Chief Monroe compiled a list of things a new chief must know to succeed.

“When they tell you you’re a chief, suddenly everybody is listening to what you have to say,” said Chief Monroe. “However, more importantly, more people are watching; everybody is watching; watching to see if you are what you say you are.”

After Chief Monroe stepped down from the lectern, all the chiefs to be inducted lined up in preparation for the candle lighting ceremony.

There is one candle for every tier in the enlisted rank structure; airman basic through chief master sergeant.

“Just as these eight candles were lit on behalf of the enlisted ranks that represent the journey to chief, each of you, as new chief master sergeants must light your hearts and minds to inspire your troops,” said Chief Master Sgt. Donna Lehmann, 512th Operations Group superintendent and master of ceremonies.

As the senior ranking chief in attendance, Chief Master Sgt. David Burke was the “keeper of the flame.” He lit the final candle, which symbolizes the rank of chief.

Finally, Chief Master Sergeants Bruce Blodgett and Caroline Vennell, the 436th and 512th AW command chief master sergeants, gave the Chief’s Charge.

Then, Chiefs Blodgett and Vennell stood on stage with the inductees and all chiefs retired and active in the audience stood as the Chief’s Creed was recited.

After the creed, presentations were made each inductee received a plaque presented by Chief Blodgett and a figurine of a Native American Chief presented by Chief Monroe.

After the presentations, Col. Chad Mankse and Col. David Wuest, 436th and 512th AW vice commanders respectively, gave their compliments to the new inductees, and Chief Master Sgt. Angela Williamson concluded the ceremony with the rap of a gavel.