Four new SNCO's welcomed into the chief master sergeant ranks

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Eddie Webb, 7th Bomb Wing command chief, center, administers the chief master sergeant oath to Dyess’ newest chiefs during the Chief Induction Ceremony March 14, 2014 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The rank of chief master sergeant is the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force, with the exception of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Autumn Velez/ Released)

Four new SNCO's welcomed into the chief master sergeant ranks

Chief master sergeants of past and present gather to celebrate the induction of the newest additions to the rank of chief master sergeant March 14, 2014 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. By order of congress, only one percent of the enlisted force is allowed to make the rank of chief master sergeant. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Autumn Velez)

Four new SNCO's welcomed into the chief master sergeant ranks

Chief master sergeant inductees place a bracelet on their wives’ wrists during the Chief Induction Ceremony March 14, 2014 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The bracelet is a gift from the chiefs, symbolizing the appreciation for the dedication and support they receive from their spouses.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Autumn Velez/Released)

Four new SNCO's welcomed into the chief master sergeant ranks

Retired Chief Master Sergeant Terry Savoie, speaks during the Chief Induction Ceremony March 14, 2014 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Savoie was the guest speaker during the event, he touched on the importance of being a leader and the responsibilities that come with being a chief in the Air Force. The Air Force ensures only the very best noncommissioned officers are promoted to rank of chief master sergeant. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Autumn Velez/Released)

Four new SNCO's welcomed into the chief master sergeant ranks

Published March 20, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Alexander Guerrero
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Four Airmen who have risen to the rank of chief master sergeant were honored at the Chief Mater Sergeant Induction Ceremony held at the Dyess Event Center March 14.

The seats at the Dyess Event Center were filled with family, friends and Airmen attending the ceremony to celebrate the new chiefs who, as restricted by federal law, have become part of the top one percent of the Air Force's enlisted structure.

"I wanted to serve in the top one percent to make a difference, even if it's just within my unit," said Chief Master Sgt. Glen Pugh, 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent, and one of the four new chief master sergeant inductees. "It's a great privilege to continue to serve the Air Force and the professionals in it."

Highlights of the ceremony included an Order of the Saber entrance, a slideshow of the inductees, a candle lighting ceremony in which representatives of each enlisted rank - airman basic to senior master sergeant - each lit a candle signifying the path to the final rank of chief master sergeant, and a speech by retired Chief Master Sgt. Terry Savoie.

"It doesn't matter if you're comfortable with it or not, it's time to be the chief." Savoie said "You're going to influence everyone in your unit. You may get to the point where the unit will take on your personality. That's how important you are."

Col. Michael Bob Starr, 7th Bomb Wing commander, spoke briefly during the ceremony and let the new inductees know that their newly earned rank was more than just new stripes on their sleeves.

"From now on your name is Chief," Starr said. "For the rest of your career and beyond -- to me and everyone else -- you are Chief. Your identity will forever be bound to the commitment it took to achieve that rank."

The following senior master sergeants were selected for promotion to chief master sergeant:
W. Glen Pugh
Gregory S. Austin
Randy L. Walton
Lee A. Lannen