CMSAF No. 5 speaks at Kirtland AFB events

KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. – Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force No. 5, Robert D. Gaylor, was the guest speaker March 22 at the Kirtland AFB Airman Leadership School Class 12-3 graduation. Three students were recognized: Jeremy Utley, 58th Operations Group (Levitow Award); Thomas Scott, 898th Munitions Squadron (Commandant Award); and Jeffrey Neice, 58th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (Academic Achievement Award). (Photo by Dennis Carlson)

CMSAF No. 5 speaks at Kirtland AFB events

KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. – The Air Force Inspection Agency recognized annual award recipients March 23 at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. Pictured, in the back row, from left: Chief Master Sgt. David Marchant, AFIA chief enlisted manager; Larry Dreyer, civilian of the year, category V; David Wheelock, civilian of the year, category II; Master Sgt. James Spino, senior NCO of the year; Capt. Jesse Goens, company grade officer of the year; Master Sgt. Antoine Culbreath, inspector of the year, enlisted category; Senior Master Sgt. Rene Dixon, Commander’s Leadership Award; and Col. Paul Tibbets, AFIA commander. Front row, from left: Sam Pyeatt, inspector of the year, civilian category; Lt. Col. Christopher Lane, inspector of the year, officer category; Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force No. 5 Robert D. Gaylor, Tech. Sgt. Gary Keller, NCO of the year; Duane Martin, civilian of the year, category III; and Maj. Gen. Frank J. Padilla, Air Force Deputy Inspector General. Not pictured are Jerry W. Rose, civilian of the year, category IV; Maj. Clinos (Mike) Jackson, field grade officer of the year; and Valerie Lindsey, innovator of the year. (Photo by Dennis Carlson)

CMSAF No. 5 speaks at Kirtland AFB events

Published March 30, 2012
By Stefan Bocchino
377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. -- Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert D. Gaylor visited Kirtland Air Force Base from March 22 to 24 to speak at the Air Force Inspection Agency annual awards banquet, the Airman Leadership School graduation and to Airmen at the base.

Gaylor was the fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. He joined the Air Force in 1948 and has been a part of it for nearly 64 years, one year less than its existence.

Gaylor was the CMSAF from 1977 until his retirement on July 31, 1979. He was responsible to the chief of staff and secretary of the Air Force on all enlisted matters related to utilization, assignment, morale and welfare.

Gaylor said he usually comes to a base early for an event to get the chance to speak to Airmen. He said his philosophy has always been that the best way to know what is going on with Airmen is to go out and talk to them. He said he also had a great passion for leadership, and when he traveled, he would talk to NCOs about the business of leading. He had a saying that, "If you take care of the Airmen, the Airmen will take care of the mission."

During his stay at Kirtland AFB, Gaylor met many Airmen. In addition to attending and speaking at the ALS graduation and the AFIA annual awards, Gaylor spoke to groups such as the Rising 6 and Top 3.

Even at 81, Gaylor still has a passion for and love of the Air Force. In 2011, he visited more than 20 bases. He says he has traveled more in retirement than he did while on active duty. He has been a part of many great changes during his time in the Air Force, including the integration of the Air Force and the increase in women in the Air Force from less than one percent to nearly 20 percent of the enlisted force.

One of the things Gaylor discussed was the increase in suicides in the Air Force. He reminded Airmen of the creed of never leaving someone behind. He said that the creed does not only apply in combat, but in all of life. He said that if you know someone who is having difficulty, make sure you let that person know that you are here for them and are ready to help them through their troubles.

While speaking to senior NCOs from the base, Gaylor said that he understands their tasks and commitments. He said they must make sure to prioritize those tasks, where the most important ones are done first, and to not be afraid to delegate other tasks to subordinates. He said there are five resources for management: manpower, money, material, time and space, and that there are never enough of any of them. However, by prioritizing things, it is easier to manage them.

Gaylor said that he had many great opportunities in the Air Force. He has dined with astronauts, spoken to a graduating class at the Air Force Academy, and testified before Congress.

He said "I'm still Bob Gaylor, of Mulberry, Ind., but I was very honored to fill the position of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and very honored to serve the men and women of the Air Force."