New command chief settles in

  • Published
  • By Justin Oakes
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Bolling's loss is Luke's gain, as Chief Master Sgt. Randall Raper leaves his position as command chief at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington D.C., to serve as Luke's new command chief here in Fighter Country. 

"I've been here only three days and it is apparent just how friendly the folks are," said Chief Raper. "These folks have given me a great first impression -- all the way from the hospitality I've received at lodging to the strong sense of family I've noticed outside the gates." 

Chief Raper, a Hackleburg, Ala., native, has spent the past 28 years in the Air Force performing a variety of functions and has served as a chief for eight years. 

Although transitioning from one base to another varies in mission, there is definitely one familiarity Chief Raper can identify with at Luke; he spent more than a year as the 11th Wing command chief at Bolling while Brig. Gen. Kurt Neubauer, 56th Fighter Wing commander, served as commander. 

"I've known Chief Raper for a long time, and I can tell you one thing's for certain -- he has all the virtues I look for in a senior enlisted leader," General Neubauer said. "He is focused twenty-four seven on taking care of our Airmen, both on and off duty. He has exactly the right mix of wisdom, heart, presence and savvy to serve as the key leader of this wing's enlisted force." 

As the new top enlisted member of Luke, Chief Raper expressed his confidence in a good working relationship with General Neubauer. 

"It is very important that the commander and the command chief have a good working relationship and an understanding of one another, and I feel we do," Chief Raper said. 

Chief Raper emphasized he begins every new assignment without an agenda. 

"I look forward to getting immersed with the people and doing what's best for the enlisted crew," the chief said. "General Neubauer instilled a great principle in me that I follow: Make the base better, make yourself better and your goals will be identified as you proceed to work for your people." 

There are other factors that make Luke and the Phoenix area an ideal fit for Chief Raper. The chief who is an avid sports enthusiast will definitely find no shortage of sporting events in the Valley. 

Chief Raper not only enjoys sports, but also incorporated his interests into his career by coaching on the Air Force's Sport Coaching Staff since 2002 and earned gold medals in the Armed Forces Softball Championships in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006. 

Chief Raper brings his wife, Michelle, a prior Air Force broadcaster who went to a local area high school, and three children, Brooks, Raegan and Cambelle, with him to Luke. 

"My goal is to carry out General Neubauer's vision. I'm here to work for our newest airman basic all the way to my fellow chiefs, squadron commanders and group commanders," Chief Raper said. "Command chief is not a rank -- it's a position that's an honor and a privilege to hold."