CMSAF 15 meets with Team Ramstein

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Bass
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley spent five days visiting with Team Ramstein members, March 1-5, 2017.

McKinley spoke at the Chief Recognition Ceremony, Airman Leadership School, and the NCO academy. He also toured the base, discussing leadership and followership with Airmen in their units.

“The biggest thing you can do is get to know your Airmen,” said McKinley. “If they know you care about them, they’ll work better for you.”

During McKinley’s tenure as CMSAF the Air Force went through a period of great transition. McKinley’s role in stabilizing the enlisted force aided in the continued pursuit of global air power.

“I loved every minute of my time in the Air Force,” said McKinley. “Some more than others, but there’s a reason I came back into the service. My time as Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force was a big trial. We had to fight to get money to improve the dorms.”

McKinley fielded questions from students at the Kisling NCO academy and Airman Leadership School about effective leadership and mentorship saying, “Your effective listening will do more good than 90 percent of yelling.”

To conclude the trip to Germany, McKinley was the key note speaker at the Ramstein Chief Recognition Ceremony.

“Being a chief is a massive privilege and an even larger responsibility,” He said. “The future of the Air Force rests in your hands.”

McKinley finished by stating that the cost of leadership may be expensive, but the benefits and rewards are worth the time and effort.

“Do your job, do it to the best of your ability,” said McKinley. “And your people will do theirs.”