Command chief connects with enlisted at call

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class David Owsianka
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Hundreds of enlisted Airmen attended two enlisted calls at the Luke Air Force Base Theater June 20 where the command chief addressed his priorities for the wing.

Chief Master Sgt. Rory Wicks, 56th Fighter Wing command chief, covered three points to touch base with the enlisted Airmen.

He began by thanking Luke's enlisted men and women for their selfless efforts and what they do for the wing and Air Force. Enlisted Airmen play a big role in the training of F-16 pilots and get deployed all over the globe, he said.

"Of the approximately 6,000 Luke members about 70 percent of the force is enlisted Airmen," Chief Wicks said. "The enlisted Airmen represent a big part in what we do at Luke to make this base successful."

Chief Wicks also wanted Luke's enlisted force to get to know him better and hear what he does as command chief.

Chief Wicks spent 25 years in security forces before taking his role as a command chief in 2010.

"I want the Airmen to know I am here to serve them as their senior enlisted advisor to the wing commander," he said. "It's important for me to be involved with enlisted Airmen so that when I talk with the base commander, I can speak about what the enlisted Airmen are thinking."

Lastly, Chief Wicks reminded Luke's NCOs that despite the difficult times the Air Force is facing today, we must continue to adapt and overcome while holding on to our tradition of honor and legacy of valor by developing our Airmen for tomorrow, he said.

"With less time and manning available to effectively train young Airmen, all Airmen must step up to be mentors or leaders for those around them," Chief Wicks said. "The more Airmen who rise to the occasion, the more prepared young Airmen will be when it comes time to train, mold, mentor and lead."

According to Chief Wicks, enlisted calls provide a great venue to ensure the enlisted force knows who their senior leadership is and allows for more personable transfer of information at it applies to Airmen.

"Enlisted Airmen should know they are appreciated for all of their hard work; their leadership cares and know they are critical elements to the success of everything we do here for Team Luke," he said.