Command chief set to retire after 30 years of service

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE --  Kirtland will say goodbye to its respected command chief Friday.

Chief Master Sgt. John Dougherty, command chief master sergeant for the 377th Air Base Wing and Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, is retiring after nearly 30 years of service, including two and a half years at Kirtland.

"The men and women of this base are incredible," Dougherty said, choking up as he recalled his time serving Kirtland's Airmen and their families. "I don't mean to get emotional, but Patty (his wife) and I want to thank Team Kirtland for making us feel so welcome and letting us be a part of their lives."

Chief said it will be difficult to leave but he's proud of the things he's been able to accomplish.  These accomplishments range from helping get key people in key positions, improving the quality of life for Airmen in the dormitory through upgrades and renovations, helping civilians through a government shutdown and furlough, improving programs that help Airmen, helping units and individuals get the recognition they deserve through awards and honors, and much, much more.

"This job was about taking care of Airmen," Dougherty said. "It's a pinnacle job for a chief and I've truly enjoyed it."

He said one of his mantras that helped him be successful as a command chief was to try to never say no.  He said often people's first instinct is to say no because it's easy, but it's not always the right answer.

"Before you say no, find out if there's a way to get to yes," the chief said. "Burn the time and energy to do this because when you find a way to say yes, you impact people. You might prevent a problem in the future by solving one now."

He said it builds credibility and improves relationships when people see you working hard to solve problems on their behalf.

"You have to show you care through your actions," Dougherty said. "If an Airman asks me for something, I will do everything I can to deliver."

His parting advice to Airmen - including officers, enlisted, civilians and contractors - is to ask themselves every day what they need to do to be successful at Kirtland.

"Every action impacts us in some way," he said. "Your actions are like seeds. You sometimes don't know what seeds you're planting.  Some produce fruit immediately but it might take years for others to grow. You may never know how your actions will impact the future. You need to always strive for excellence."

The chief said he plans to take December off to catch his breath and recharge his batteries. He has no long term plans, and knows there is going to be a big void in his life, but hopes to find something enjoyable to fill his time.

"I don't have a hobby.  Work has been my hobby," he said. "I want to find a hobby, I'm just not sure what it will be yet. I'm putting golf at the top of the list though."