Gary Coleman, Command Chief Master Sergeant for U.S. Air Force in Europe, Retires

As reported by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Air Force in Europe Command Chief Master Sergeant Gary G. Coleman announced his retirement during a retirement ceremony conducted by General William T. Hobbins. Chief Master Sergeant will officially leave the Air Force on May 1, 2008. He has served with the U.S. Air Force for 30 years.

The Chief's responsibilities included being the liaison between the commander and the enlisted men and women. He is an advisor to the commander on issues involving the enlisted personnel and chairs selection boards for awards programs, among many other duties.

A few hundred people were present at the ceremony that included eighth Chief Master Sergeant Sam Parrish and Chief Master Sergeant Rodney J. McKinley.

"He's always looking out for his people--always" said General Hobbins of Chief Coleman. "I see this everyday. He's in my office every morning talking to me and he always has the best interests of our Airmen in mind.

The chief's achievements and accomplishments were mentioned by the general, including those that they shared together.

"Words don't adequately describe the kind of care and commitment, improvement efforts, the acceptance of responsibility, dedication and honor he portrays," said General Hobbins.

The Legion of Merit medal was given to the Chief during the ceremony as well as his retirement orders, letters of appreciation, and a certificate of appreciation from the President. A certificate of appreciation was also given to his wife, Harriet, from the U.S. Air Force.

In speaking the Chief looked back on his career and laughed about incidents from his youth. Those in attendance laughed along with him. The Chief mentioned that looking at it now, he sees that the Air Force has improved over the year and accredits that to those currently serving .

"Back in those days our enlisted force was nowhere near where it is today...," said Chief Coleman. "We've come a long way...our enlisted men and women are the brightest that this Air Force has ever seen. I find solace and strength in knowing that you all will replace me and take this great Air Force to the next level."

The ceremony was conducted in the Kisling Non-Commissioned Officer Academy auditorium located on Kapaun Air Station in Germany.

"This Air Force is in the midst of some challenging times," Chief said to the students of the NCO Academy and the Airman Leadership School in the audience. "I can't remember when the need, the demand for leadership at the NCO level has ever been greater than it is today. But I know that you're going be there, you're going perform, you're going to produce, and you will continue to defend this, the greatest nation in the history of the world. And you're going to do it in stereo."

The Chief's responsibilities included being the liaison between the commander and the enlisted men and women. He is an advisor to the commander on issues involving the enlisted personnel and chairs selection boards for awards programs, among many other duties.

U.S. Air Forces in Europe command chief master sergeant retires, U.S. Air ForceCHIEF MASTER SERGEANT GARY G. COLEMAN, U.S. Air Force