66 ABW commander becomes honorary chief

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. C. Michaela Walrond
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  Hanscom personnel gathered Oct. 31 to witness what they thought would be the promotions of three non-commissioned officers, one senior noncommissioned officer, and one chief master sergeant -- but to the surprise of all in attendance, one more individual in the room would take the rank of chief.

Near the end of the promotions ceremony, members of the Hanscom Chiefs Group gathered on stage at the Minuteman Club to induct Col. Tom Schluckebier, 66th Air Base Wing commander, as an honorary chief master sergeant, the highest tribute chiefs can pay to a leader.

The colonel was bestowed this honor because of his, "unfailing compassion for Hanscom's enlisted Airmen and their families," and for being a man of character, revered by chiefs as "a leader among leaders, an Airman among Airmen, and a chief among chiefs," according to the induction certificate.

Chief Master Sgt. Roger Sirois said that only those leaders who by their actions and sustained personal regard for enlisted personnel, and who have fostered an environment of mutual trust and respect, are considered for the title of honorary chief.

As part of the ceremony, Colonel Schluckebier was invited to light a candle to signify his acceptance of the title of honorary chief master sergeant. The lighting of the candle is symbolic of the way honorary chiefs light the way for the enlisted force.

After accepting the title of chief, Colonel Schluckebier was joined on stage by Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Sirois, 66 ABW and Electronic Systems Center command chief, and Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Purtle, Hanscom Chiefs Group president, where his new chief stripes were officially "tacked" on.

As part of her personal presentation to "Chief" Schluckebier, Chief (Lisa) Sirois said, "Sir, I appreciate all you have done for our Airmen and our great Air Force. No one knows the work ethic of this 'Chief.' I am proud to have served with you, and it's been an honor serving as your command chief."

The successes of many leaders would not be possible without the countless support they receive from their spouses. And because of this, a special presentation was given for Donna Schluckebier, wife of Colonel Schluckebier, who, during the colonel's many assignments, "...ensured a better quality of life for our enlisted force through volunteerism whenever and wherever needed," said Chief (Roger) Sirois during the ceremony.

At the closing of the ceremony, Hanscom's newest honorary chief said: "I'm really honored to be selected as an honorary chief. Chiefs are the reason that I'm standing here today -- because they took the time and effort to tell me the right way to do things. It wasn't always the easy way, but it was the right way. Those of you who are chiefs, and those of you who aspire to be, know that what you contribute to the Air Force lasts long after you leave our Air Force," Colonel Schluckebier said.