Chief Master Sgt. David Staton, 56th Fighter Wing command chief, talks with Luke Air Force Base Airmen during an enlisted call July 12 at the Bryant Fitness Center. Topics included driving under the influence prevention, wingmanship and leadership.(U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kate Vaughn)

Command chief shares message with Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kate Vaughn
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The top enlisted leader of Luke Air Force Base hosted a series of enlisted calls July 12 at the Bryant Fitness Center.

Chief Master Sgt. David Staton, 56th Fighter Wing command chief, talked about driving under the influence, the Luke mission and Airmen's responsibilities. Staton was joined by several other chiefs from around the 56th Fighter Wing in order to emphasize that each chief at Luke was on board with the message.

The purpose of the enlisted call was to stress the consequences of drinking and driving. Since May 8, eight DUIs have been reported at Luke, the majority of which were "extreme" cases.

"I'm not asking you to stop drinking and driving, I'm telling you," Staton said. "I'm also telling you, as your command chief, to look out for your fellow Airmen and be a good wingman."

Luke has seen 30 DUIs from 2011 to 2012. However, there have been 15 DUIs reported so far this year.

According to the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, there were 27,125 DUI arrests in 2011 in Arizona alone.

Staton also reminded Airmen of the obligations they have to the surrounding community.

"Our community, friends and neighbors go to sleep at night feeling safe because we are here to protect them," Staton said. "We need to make sure we are living up to that standard and not presenting a threat to the surrounding community."

After the reminder about drinking and driving, Staton changed the subject to how Luke Airmen are performing in regard to safety, education and mission.

"I do not want to see any of the Airmen at Luke on a motorcycle without the proper safety gear," he said. "Each and every one of you are too valuable to lose in a motorcycle accident because the proper safety gear was not being used."

When it comes to the mission, Staton has nothing but rave reviews.

"Everyone here is really doing a fantastic job, and I want to see everyone keep up the good work."

Staton also stressed the importance of completing a Community College of the Air Force degree.

"The most important thing is leadership," he said. "Part of being a good leader is completing education that the Air Force requires of you, including completing your CCAF."

The floor was then opened to fellow Luke chiefs to answer audience questions.