b'supported racial and gender equality among the force, and have had a significant impact on recruitment and retention, especially following the transition to an all-volunteer force. They have advocated for positive changes to quality-of-life initiatives, including pay, housing, fitness, wounded warrior care, education, and more. They have also been through times of adversity, leading the enlisted force through budget cuts, promotion freezes, and force draw downs. Each CMSAF has left his mark and moved the enlisted force forward. Today the Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff of the Air Force continue to count on the CMSAF to influence policy changes that better support the enlisted force.I think we all have the duty to touch thoseSenior Airman Donovan Lamore, 436th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural things that directly impacted the day-to-day livesmaintenance apprentice, shows a metal sheet to Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass, during her visit to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Jan. 8, 2021. of the enlisted force, CMSgt Thomas Barnes saidChief Bass witnessed firsthand how Dover AFB supports Air Force priorities such as enhancing full-spectrum readiness and developing innovative, multi-capable Airmen.in The Enlisted Experience. He summarized that(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stephani Barge)the Chiefs have a say on many things, from uniform changes to budgetary decisions: Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force have There were the opportunities to initiate things.often travelled up to 300 days a year visiting There were review activities associated with theAirmen to hear concerns firsthand and help shape budget cycle where the hardware and the peoplethe culture of the enlisted force. They have also issues occurred. The Chief Master Sergeant of thetaken advantage of communication mediums as Air Force was not excluded. You went in and hadtechnology has evolved. The rise of the Internet a chance, if nothing else to say your piece andand e-mail has allowed direct messages from the understand the process. CMSAF in a variety of forms. CMSAF James A. Cody In many ways, the Chief Master Sergeant of thecommunicated with Airmen through social media Air Force has truly embodied the communicationchannels and originated a CHIEFchat web-video channel first envisioned when the position wasseries to engage with Airmen and address questions created. Although Airey was adamant not toon enlisted programs.become the Airmens inspector general, he didAlthough todays challenges differ from those understand the value of travel and face-to-facepresent when the position first emerged in communication with enlisted Airmen around the 1960s, the top enlisted leaders primary the world.rolesupporting and shaping the enlisted force by advising the secretary of the Air Force and chief of staff of the Air Forcehas not changed. Aviation technology has continued to modernize in a digital age. Career specialties have evolved to encompass the newer realms of space and cyberspace. Technology and structure have changed, but Airmen, the people who voluntarily serve their nation in the US Air Force, continue to be the Air Forces most important asset. The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force continues to represent them all and confidently takes on the challenge to lead them into the future.Readthefullhistorystory:Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass and Chief Master Sgt. Mike Perry, Air Force First Sergeant special duty manager, pose with Airmen for a group photo at Tactics and Leadership Nexus (TALN) Jan. 7, 2021, on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. TALN is a scenario-based training facility designed to enhance readiness and develop multi-capable Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Quail) https://static.dma.mil/usaf/cmsaf50/index.html#oneThank You For Your Service Military Appreciation Resource Magizine 17'