Kirtland Chiefs Group set to induct nine new members

  • Published
  • By Kirtland Public Affairs
Kirtland will recognize the accomplishments of five chief master sergeant selects and four chief master sergeants by inducting them into the Kirtland Chiefs Group.

The inductees are:

Sandy Browning, 377th Maintenance Squadron;

Gene Jameson, Defense Threat Reduction Agency;

David Johnny, 150 Special Operations Wing;

Garrett Kuwada, Air Force Inspection Agency;

Stacy Pearson, 58th Maintenance Group;

Marcus Rettig, 58th Special Operations Wing;

Richard Carbajal, 150th Maintenance Operations Flight;

Joshua Franklin, Air Force Safety Center; and

Gary Wright, Joint Force Headquarters, New Mexico Air National Guard;

"Promotion to chief master sergeant and induction into the Chiefs Group will be the pinnacle of their careers and undoubtedly one of the most significant events of their lives," said Chief Master Sgt. Nathaniel Perry, who is helping organize the induction ceremony.

Only one in 100 Airmen makes chief master sergeant, making the induction especially significant, Perry said.

"Earning the rank of chief is indeed a privilege," he said. "Chiefs represent the rest of the enlisted force, and I can't think of a greater honor than to be in a position to guide, mentor, lead and help develop our Airmen."

Senior Master Sgt. Sandy Browning, who was notified of his selection for promotion in November, said he is proud and humbled to receive the honor.

"Every chief should feel humbled when they reflect back on all the people -- both junior and senior in rank -- who helped them reach that milestone in their career," he said. "I plan to keep airman stripes on display in my office as a reminder of where I started and to help me stay focused on what is undoubtedly the Air Force's most important asset, our Airmen."

The induction ceremony will be at 6 p.m. on March 14 at the Mountain View Club. Those wishing to attend may contact a chief to inquire about an invitation.