New wing chief relates to reservists

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Gillian Albro
  • 916th Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The members of the 916th Air Refueling Wing welcomed their new command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Gregory A. Nelson, during the June unit training assembly. 

Chief Nelson, previously the superintendent of Logistic Plans, brings with him 24 years of military service, 10 of those which were spent at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
Along with the new position came a new rank, as he was promoted to Chief Master Sgt. on Saturday of the July UTA. 

The command chief master sergeant position, which is a special duty assignment, serves as a member of the commander's staff to advise and assist in matters concerning enlisted members of the command or organization. 

"Ultimately, I'm here to ensure the commander's vision and policies are implemented and followed to the extent that he wants to see them," Chief Nelson said. "I'm his enlisted advisor, so to speak." 

Chief Nelson is ready to get to work. He said he's been "re-blued" after accepting into this position. 

"I really want to take the vision the command leadership here has chosen: 'Global Mobility Power, On Time, Every Time' and get down into the enlisted force and get them motivated to where we can meet that anytime, or we can make that vision happen daily," Chief Nelson said. 

His vision and goals for the wing don't differ from those of Air Force Reserve Command to provide combat-ready units and Airmen. 

"Ensuring they have the tools, training and equipment to successfully accomplish the mission of the Air Force...that's my goal," Chief Nelson said. 

Chief Nelson is very humbled by this experience and the experience the Air Force has given him. And he has plans for future Airmen as well. 

"I have had a lot of good mentors in my career that have given me the tools, the training and the guidance to put me where I am today. Now it's my time to give it back. That's my goal. I want to take what I have learned and let the next generation have it so they can take my place. "