Command chief master sergeant retires
Command Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Smith receives his retirement pin from his son, Derrick J. Smith. Chief Smith joined the Air Force in May 1967 after graduating from McKinley Senior High School, Baton Rouge, La. In December 1974, he joined the Air Force Reserve at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. Chief Smith became the first sergeant for the 916th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron in October 1987 and became the command chief master sergeant for the 916th Air Refueling Wing in April 2002. Chief Smith's most noteworthy award was the George W. Bush Presidential Citation Award for work with the Knoxville, Tenn., role model program. He has also received the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for the extensive contributions made to youth.