HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The Hanscom Chief’s Group recognized the installation’s newest chief master sergeant during a ceremony here, Nov. 15.
Col. Chad Ellsworth, 66th Air Base Group and installation commander, was inducted as an honorary chief master sergeant, making him only the fourth 66 ABG commander to receive the honor.
“As a result of his hard work, loyal service and trust and compassion for the enlisted force, Col. Ellsworth has earned the right to be an honorary chief,” said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Daly, 66th Security Forces Squadron manager.
Also attending the ceremony was Farrah Ridore, a regional director for U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren; Massachusetts State Representatives Tami Gouveia and Michelle Ciccolo; and Lexington Town Manager Jim Malloy.
Originally an enlisted Airman, Ellsworth voiced his appreciation and noted the significance of this elite recognition.
“My roots are enlisted and I know what it takes to become a chief,” said Ellsworth. “I still don’t feel worthy.”
The ceremony included the lighting of candles, a tradition during chief inductions that signifies the path of enlisted ranks. Ellsworth was called upon to light the last candle, representing the rank of E-9.
“This candle is the guiding light of a chief master sergeant,” said Daly. “It shines over the enlisted force, and so too will our inductee.”
Following the candle lighting, Chief Master Sgts. Daly and Adam Page, 66th Medical Squadron superintendent, pinned on Ellsworth’s stripes.
“As Col. Ellsworth once placed stripes on other chiefs, we now pin and welcome him as an honorary chief master sergeant,” said Chief Master Sgt. Henry Hayes, installation command chief.
Ellsworth then accepted his charges to uphold the traditions of military life, support the officers of the armed forces, to set the highest example of leadership and support his fellow chiefs.
“There is no medal, recognition or award that has been, or ever will be, presented to me in the Air Force that will mean more than being inducted as an honorary chief,” he said.