Former chief ‘wowed’ by Dover AFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  A former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force visited Dover Air Force Base Feb. 19 and 20.

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Robert Gaylor, the fifth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, visited various locations around Dover Air Force Base and was also the guest speaker at the 436th Airlift Wing Annual Awards Banquet Feb. 20.

The chief said he was impressed with the base and found himself saying, 'Wow,' as he received a tour of the base.

"What a massive mission they have at the (436th) Aerial Port Squadron, they really move a lot and move them fast!" he said. "You can't go around the base without being impressed by the talents of all the Airmen here."

The chief entered the Air Force in September 1948 and vividly described what it was like back then compared to today through several stories during a visit to the First Term Airman's Center.

"My job is to share with you the heritage of the Air Force, about how we got where we are today," said Chief Gaylor, a Bellevue, Iowa native, who currently calls San Antonio, Texas, home. "Life was simple. I was a young 18-year-old kid from Indiana earning $72 a month as a one-striper. When I was a two-striper, I got an $8 raise. I can remember it was said, 'it is better for young Airmen to be seen and not heard.'

"I'm glad that the greatest change in the Air Force today has been listening to our Airmen of all ages for ideas and improvements for their jobs," he said.

Chief Gaylor shared a few words of advice with the FTAC Airmen.

"There are three kinds of Airmen in the Air Force: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder, 'What happened?' I want to tell you personally, be a part of those who make things happen!" he said. "Make this Air Force better in every way you can. I've already run my race, and I'm passing my baton to you. Now it's your turn, so someday you can sit here and tell young Airmen, 'Let me tell you what it was like back in 2008.'"

Chief Gaylor said he enjoyed his 31-years of enlistment and hoped the FTAC Airmen would also enjoy their service as well - whatever the length of time they plan to serve.

"If I could, I'd do it all over again," the chief said.

As the guest speaker at the awards banquet, the chief also shared many insightful words to honor Team Dover members chosen as Airmen and civilians of the year.

"I've been with the Air Force for about 60 years now, and the Air Force will be 61-years-old this September, so I guess you can say I'm an encyclopedia of Air Force history," the chief said. "I could talk for hours and hours about how we got where we are today, but bottom line is this: we've come a long way.

"This is your base, your unit and your responsibility. Take pride and ownership. Focus on your responsibilities and carry them out," he said.

His message resonated with Staff Sgt. Lennell Deloatch, 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron, who was selected as Honor Guard Member of the Year.

"Chief Gaylor's speech hit home with me," said Sergeant Deloatch. "I can not ask anyone to do their best if I'm not striving to do my best."

The sergeant, a single parent, said she works hard to be an example not only just at work, but at home as well.

"How can I expect my Airmen or my daughter to excel and do well if I'm not maintaining and exceeding my own standards? It's not about recognition, its about setting the bar and clearing the path for future Airmen. No matter your job, you must strive to be the best at what you do."

Tech. Sgt. Donna Dickson, 436th Maintenance Squadron, who was named the Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, also agrees.

"We don't serve for the recognition," she said. "It takes a special person to be willing to make the sacrifices needed to help the United States Air Force succeed in today's Global War on Terror."

Sergeant Deloatch said Chief Gaylor's speech inspired her to stay motivated.

"Thanks to the chief, I now have even more motivation to do more and motivate my Honor Guard Airmen - to live by the Honor Guard Creed and Airmen's Creed every day." said the sergeant. "His words were a real inspiration to me and I would love to hear the chief speak again.

"It's good to know that senior non-commissioned officers like Chief Gaylor believe in people like me and the work I do," she said.

The chief thanked Team Dover for his great experience and being able to reminisce during his visit.

"It's difficult to narrow down the award to one winner because you're all winners," said Chief Gaylor. "From my own heart, I believe you all have the heart of a true winner. It's not everyday that you can be the best in the world, and I'm confident that I'm part of the best Air Force in the world."