Highest ranking sergeant visits Nellis

Dick Benoit

Thursday, Aug. 19, 2004 | 9:44 a.m.

The most senior sergeant in the Air Force recently visited with the troops at Nellis Air Force Base and told them that the modern day strength of the Air Force is not so much aircraft flying over targets as it is the diversity of the Air Force mission, and airmen working to make sure the mission is accomplished.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald Murray visited Nellis Aug. 11 and 12, and during his stay noted that the strength of the Air Force is its airmen in supply, vehicle maintenance, finance and every other career field.

The chief had some special words for non-commissioned officers at Nellis, noting that supervision is an important aspect of making the mission run smoothly.

"Negative indicators -- whether it is suicide, drugs or DUI -- indicate that we need more face time and leadership between supervisors and subordinates. We're looking at the stresses in our force to see how they affect face-to-face leadership. We need to take a hard look at how we can ensure our airmen know that being in the Air Force is the same as being in a family. If we don't care about our people, the mission can't get done," Murrary said.

Murray also focused on the readiness of the force.

"We're looking every day at ways we can improve readiness," he said. "Our airmen are being deployed like never before. We have more airmen outside of the perimeters and in combat environments. These aren't just our combat controllers, pararescuemen and security forces; we have airmen today in Army units leading convoy squads."

The most senior sergeant also emphasized the importance of fitness in his remarks to the Nellis troops.

"We are more productive and our morale is higher when we're physically fit," he said. "It's the mission of our commanders and senior noncommissioned officers to make sure our Airmen are physically fit."

United Way helps families

United Way of Southern Nevada provides support to the military through the Assistance to Military Families Fund to ensure that families in need of services beyond what military benefits and programs provide can access health and human services programs in Southern Nevada.

Rosemary West, the group's director of community development, says the United Way is helping local agencies prepare and respond to military families and their special circumstances.

"As people from our community continue to be deployed, United Way remains committed to helping families access services while loved ones are away, and once families are reunited," West said.

The fund, which has raised $63,000 since its establishment, has been tapped to provide military families with everything from pots and pans to rental assistance. When a need arises, a volunteer committee convenes to review the case, determine its worthiness and make recommendations.

"The value of the fund is much deeper than the financial assistance it provides," West said. "A network of health and human services agencies is in constant contact, working to support families and offering answers and resources to meet their unique and immediate needs."

Those interested in supporting United Way's Assistance to Military Families Fund can call (702) 734-2273.

In brief

Balgan, a satellite communications technician, is normally assigned to the 729th Air Control Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

Gomez is an unmanned aerial vehicle operator normally assigned at Leighton Barracks, Germany.