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Chief's Corner

  • Published
  • By MSgt Lisa Haun
  • 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MANSFIELD, Ohio -- --  
In the Chief's corner, there has been lots of activity over the past 6 months on the 179th Airlift Wing (AW). Many sections across the base have seen changes in the enlisted leadership and can expect more to come. The new Command Chief is counting on a more active Chief's Counsel and hopes to make some significant changes in supporting the enlisted force.

On May 16, 2015, members of the 179AW gathered for a Command Chief Change of Authority Ceremony in Mansfield, Ohio, as Chief Master Sgt. Thomas A. Jones took over for Command Chief Master Sgt. Thomas A. Gremling. Gremling retired after 35 years of service in Operations Group and Wing Headquarters with the 179th Airlift Wing.

Members of the 179 AW enjoyed a Chiefs Council Luncheon on May 6, 2015 where the all the Chief Master Sergeant's across the base served the airmen lunch. The luncheon was a benefit to raise money for the Chiefs Council.

On Mar. 8, 2015, 179th Airlift Wing Commander, Col. Gary McCue recognized Chief Master Sgt. Wendy Hunt during her retirement luncheon. Members gathered to bid farewell to Chief Master Sgt. Wendy Hunt after 28 years of service with Force Support Squadron in the Ohio Air National Guard.

179th Communication Flight promoted David A. Krutsch to Chief Master Sgt. on Mar. 7, 2015. Chief Master Sgt. is the highest enlisted grade in the United States Air Force. Krutsch has worked in Maintenance sections and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Communications flight and the Chief's Counsel.

Congratulations to 179th Security Forces member, Marc Pumala on his promotion to Chief Master Sgt. Chief Pumala was promoted on Dec. 7, 2014, upon the retirement of Chief Master Sgt. Richard Schuller. Schuller retired during an open-ranks inspection where he said good-bye to each troop, one by one. During his presentation, Chief Master Sgt. Schuller praised Security Forces for developing the units most outstanding Airmen. Schuller retired after 39 years of dedication to the Ohio Air National Guard.

State Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Philip D. Smith and 179th Airlift Wing Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Thomas A. Gremling pinned Bryan S. Vipperman with the rank of Chief Master Sgt., Nov. 1,2014. Chief Master Sgt. Vipperman is a longstanding member of the 179th Civil Engineering squadron.

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson were invited to the 179th Operations Group ceremony to pin the rank of Chief Master Sgt. on their son Randy L. Nelson on Nov. 1, 2014. Chief Nelson is a relatively new member to the 179th Airlift Wing, relocating to the Mansfield area from Alaska.
Congratulations to all the 179th Airlift Wings Chiefs on their retirements and promotions.