HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Chief Master Sgt. Jason Vollmer has assumed the role of command chief for the 66th Air Base Group and installation here, bringing more than 20 years of experience to the position.
Hailing from a small town in Nebraska, Vollmer called his journey to the Air Force “unconventional.”
"I never thought the Air Force was for me,” he said. “My dad was an Army tank mechanic during the Korean conflict, but our life revolved around farming and Nebraska football,"
Like others, Sept. 11, 2001, stirred a sense of duty within Vollmer.
"I felt like I could be doing more, like I was living a selfish existence," he said.
This realization led him to the recruiter’s office and eventually to basic training in January 2002, where he discovered a passion for training.
"I loved basic training. The purity and passion of the training environment inspired me to become an MTI [military training instructor]," said Vollmer.
As an MTI, Vollmer had a significant impact on the future of the Air Force, training numerous Airmen.
His career trajectory took him through various roles, including first sergeant duty at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, and later maintenance roles at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina.
Each position added to his leadership toolkit, enabling him to adapt and excel in diverse environments.
"My ability to adapt and understand different missions has been crucial,” said Vollmer. “Each experience, whether in maintenance, training, or as a first sergeant, has shaped my approach to leadership.”
As he steps into his new role as the installation’s senior enlisted leader, Vollmer emphasizes humility and respect.
"I’m never the smartest guy in the room,” he said. “With so many different complex things going on, I approach each organization with open ears and appreciation."
Vollmer described his initial impressions of Team Hanscom as overwhelmingly positive.
"Everyone I've met has been incredibly prideful and professional,” he said. “They’re bursting at the seams to share their stories and the impact of their daily work."
Vollmer is committed to aligning with Col. Jorge Jimenez’s vision for the base.
"My goal is to get out in front of the mission, ensuring that every airman, civilian, and officer understands their role in the bigger picture," he said.
Like Jimenez, his focus will be on readiness and customer service, emphasizing the importance of fundamentals while fostering innovation.
“Maintaining excellence in the basics while encouraging innovative solutions is key to ensuring our readiness and providing top-tier support to our mission partners,” said Vollmer.