Dover AFB’s senior officer earns his stripes

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman James Bolinger
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Dover's senior field grade officer was bestowed the highest enlisted honor recently, when he was 'promoted' to the rank of honorary chief master sergeant.

Col. Sam Cox, 436th Airlift Wing commander, was recognized by the Dover Air Force Base Chief's Group for his service to enlisted Team Dover members and the Air Force.

The colonel was recognized by his wife, Tammy, and Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Blodgett, 436th AW command chief, who 'tacked' on his stripes during the 436th AW promotion ceremony Monday.

The colonel was nominated by Chief Blodgett, who submitted a written application to the Chief's Group, and then the group of E-9s took a secret ballot vote.

Colonel Cox's leadership and devotion to the enlisted men and women here was clearly evident throughout his tenure as the wing commander, said Chief Blodgett. He was very deserving of the highest honor the chiefs of Dover could give him.

"In a single word, I was dumbfounded," said Colonel Cox. "I was contemplating the fact that this was my last 436th Airlift Wing monthly promotion event and enjoying the promotion of Chief Master Sgt. Rick Ross and the antics that typically happen when a new member is brought into the Chief's Group. It is unusual to be caught completely off guard, but in this case, I had absolutely no idea this was going to happen."

Despite working in an office with a door that adjoins Chief Blodgett's, Colonel Cox had no idea he was receiving this prestigious honor.

"This may sound a bit goofy, but once I realized I was being invited to join this elite group, I knew that I would have to speak and didn't think that I would be able to speak," said Colonel Cox, upon realizing he was getting a new set of stripes Monday.

The Chief's Group chose the wing promotion ceremony to honor the colonel so as many of Dover's enlisted corps could witness the occasion.

"It really is an enlisted honor, and we wanted as many as possible to attend," said the command chief. "This was the logical place to have it!"

Officers are rarely afforded the opportunity to become an honorary chief. Therefore, when a group of the Air Force enlisted corps' most elite members decides to recognize a servicemember, it is because no other award could possibly suit.

"I can say this with complete honesty, there is no higher award, decoration or title that has been bestowed on me than to be an honorary chief," said the colonel. "My father joined the Air Force in 1956, before there was the rank of chief master sergeant, and served as an enlisted man for 15 years.

"To hear my father's words regarding chiefs, simply put, they were more than human, he said. "I am humbled to be a part of the most elite of fraternities, one that represents leadership, power and influence - all in a positive direction. Honored is not an adequate word, but the best I know."

The chiefs needed to recognize Colonel Cox for all he has done, said Chief Blodgett. The Dover Chief's Group is proud to have worked with Colonel Cox on Dover AFB to accomplish the great mission of Americas Preeminent Airlift Wing.