CMSAF #6 McCoy visits Dyess

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgts. Hubert Thomas (left), and Michael Menard (right), 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, speak with retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James McCoy May 10, 2013, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. During his visit McCoy toured a 317th Airlift Group C-130J and learned about the different airdrops the group executes. McCoy visited the men and women of Dyess to speak with them about his Air Force career, share his thoughts about today's military and answer questions. He also was the guest speaker for the 317th AG’s Enlisted Dining-Out. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kylsee Wisseman/Released)

CMSAF #6 McCoy visits Dyess

Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James McCoy speaks to Airmen of the 7th Civil Engineer Squadron May 10, 2013, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. McCoy visited the men and women of Dyess to speak with them about his Air Force career, share his thoughts about today's military and answer questions. He also was the guest speaker for the 317th Airlift Group's Enlisted Dining-Out. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Kylsee Wisseman/Released)

CMSAF #6 McCoy visits Dyess

040 -- Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James McCoy shakes hands with U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Geni Schuler, 436th Training Squadron, May 10, 2013, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. McCoy visited the men and women of Dyess to speak with them about his Air Force career, share his thoughts about today's military and answer questions. He also was the guest speaker for the 317th Airlift Group's Enlisted Dining-Out. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Kylsee Wisseman/Released)

CMSAF #6 McCoy visits Dyess

Published May 21, 2013

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Former Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James M. McCoy shared his unique perspective with Dyess Airmen during his recent visit here.

During his day-long trip, McCoy visited several organizations throughout the base and emphasized the need for continued growth and improvement as a military professional and how that responsibility lies with each Airman.

"Learn how to do your job better," said McCoy during a breakfast with Airmen at the Longhorn Dining Facility. "Make sure that people following you have the proper guidance and training and don't keep things to yourself."

McCoy also stressed his philosophy on leadership and followership.

"Lead people instead of trying to manage them," he said. "And for our younger Airmen, listen to those appointed over you -- you may just learn something."

The retired chief joined the Air Force in 1951 and served with the Air Defense Command as a radar operation and instructor for five years. Some of his past assignments include command post duty during the Taiwan Crisis of Aug. 1958 and commandant of the Strategic Air Command Noncommissioned Officer Preparatory School.

His visit gave Airmen a chance to hear a firsthand account of how the Air Force operated in a Cold War environment.

"Listening to a former Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force speak to us about his career in the Air Force and giving us advice was a great experience and opportunity," said Senior Airman Dillon Parsons, 7th Munitions Squadron.

Even though it's been many years since he retired, McCoy still strongly believes self-improvement is one of the key ingredients to becoming a better Airman.

"Don't wait to get started on your education," McCoy said, who earned his bachelor degree during his enlistment. "Take advantage of every opportunity that comes along."