Fifth Chief Master Sgt. visits RAF Lakenheath

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torri K. Larson
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Robert Gaylor, the fifth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, paid Liberty Warriors a visit here Feb. 6 and 7. 

"I always enjoy coming to the Liberty Wing," Chief Gaylor said. "I'm not only impressed with the mission here, but all the different players." 

The chief held an Airman's Call and spoke to Liberty Warriors about his own time in the Air Force. He entertained the Airmen, recounting tales of his enlistment, basic training, and career advancement. He chuckled when speaking of his first duty station in Waco, Texas. 

"I guarded things that never moved," he laughed. "But I always had the right attitude. I think I listened to my oath of enlistment, as I hope you did." 

Chief Gaylor spoke of changes the Air Force has gone through, both during his career and after his retirement. The changes ranged from racial segregation, to women in the military, to maternity uniforms and Air Force chevrons. 

"In the evolution of our great Air Force I've seen a lot of things change," Chief Gaylor said. "I can only predict more change to come; you've got to hang in there and appreciate the organization you're a part of." 

The chief spoke of his own pride for serving and explained the simplicity of being a leader. 

"Leadership is a relatively simple process, unless you complicate it," he said. "There are six definitions of leadership, but they all have one word in common: influence." 

He encouraged Airmen to have a sense of honor and a passion for what they do. He also reminded them to keep an open mind and to adapt to changes as they come. 

"I hope the day you leave the Air Force, you'll say to yourself: I think it was time well spent; it was a great ride, I met a lot of great people and it's a great way of life."