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We dedicate this page to our Fallen Chiefs who have unselfishly given of themselves in the protection of our FREEDOM through their service to their country and the United States Armed Forces.  

“Chiefs…Our word is our bond.”

Air Force mourns loss of the first CMSAF #1

When CMSAF Paul Airey took office on 1 Apr 1967 as the first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, that was the best thing that ever happened for the enlisted force. Chief Airey set the bar and the standard for those who followed him in the position. The love and the dedication he had for the Air Force will live on in the Airmen who serve today and those that will follow them. Chief Airey was a good friend to me personally and he had a great impact on my life during my active duty time as well as in retirement. He always used to tell me that the two biggest problems he faced as CMSAF were Promotions and Assignments. He faced them head on they became nonexistent. Chief Paul, we will miss you and you will be in our hearts forever. Rest in peace my friend.

Chief George Moses
President of the McClellan Chiefs Group
North Highlands, CA

 

Click on PDF icon on the right to download an article written in AFRNS about
CMSAF Airey.

 




 
CMSAF #4 Thomas N. Barnes was the 1st African American senior enlisted adviser in the US military and 4th CMSAF of the Air Force.

I met CMSAF Thomas N. Barnes as a young airman in 1975 while stationed at MAFB NJ. In turn I followed his career as best I could. I was successful in seeing - at the time - that he was included in the (Philadelphia) Pennsylvania Military Hall of Fame back in the late 1970's.

He was an outstanding Senior AF NCO and a great credit, influence, and leader in the USAF of which I was privileged to be a part of at one time.

Go Blue!

Sgt Thomas Blair, Jr. USAF Retired

Posted April 4, 2010

My Father Was a Dedicated Airman, Truly Proud of His Years Served. The Family of CMSGT Bill Pitts Salutes the Entire USAF Family. Thank You For the Memories and People WE Met During My Fathers 26 Years of Service.

Submitted by Joseph Pitts (Son of the Fallen Chief)

Posted July 16, 2010

My dad served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He was stationed at Dyess AFB when he retired after 33 years. He loved being in the Air Force and being a Chief. After he retired from working in civilian life, he and my mother traveled and reconnected with other Chiefs.

Submitted in loving memory by his daughter, Nancy Ann Smith Jinks


Posted June 20, 2010

Chief Master Sergeant Philip N. Patten, Retired US Air Force, passed away May 31, 2010 at the age of 80 years in San Antonio, Texas. The home that he loved was in Camarillo California. He was born on July 30, 1929 in Grandbank, Newfoundland, Canada. He is survived by his ex-wife Patrica Patten and sons, George L. Patten and wife Barbara, Robert S. Patten and wife Marlene; daughter, Susan N. Irey and husband Shane; grandchildren, Bryan Patten, Christopher Patten, Angel Leo Aguilar, Noel Aguilar; great-grandchildren, Emily Patten, Avery Patten, Joshua Patten and Nicholas Patten; sister, Grace Patten Wilkins; step-sister, Matilda Ralph (Frank); step-brother, Simeon Patten (Phyllis); nieces Denise Wilkins-Treble (Brian), Marilyn Prior Wilkins, Susan Boulos (John), Diane Price and nephews Robert Patten and Frank Patten and extended family.

He was predeceased by his parents George Aaron Forsey Patten and Sarah Jane Forsey Patten and brother Louis Patten. Visitation was held at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home on Bandera Road on Thursday, June 3, 2010 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. A funeral service was conducted at 9:00 A.M. Friday, June 4, 2010 at the Sunset Northwest Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Vernon Welshans officiating. Interment followed at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors.

Submitted by his niece Denise Wilkins-Treble

Posted June 12, 2010

 

Ralph served with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War era and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant (NCOIC, Personnel and Senior Enlisted Advisor) with the U.S. Air Force and the Ohio Air National Guard (179th Airlift Wing).

Posted April 19, 2010


 

Posted March 20, 2010

 

My Dad,CMSGT Earl E Ferguson, or as his friends called him Pete, was such a wonderful man.He was Air Force all the way, but if he was ever needed by anyone he was there with a helping hand.I love and miss him very much.

Submitted by: Cathy Reyes Chief Ferguson's daughter...

Posted March 20, 2010

 




Chief Tom left us on January 29, 2010 and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was a wonderful husband,father, grand-father, friend and he was The Chief.

Posted February 19, 2010

 

 CMSgt. Melvin "Mel" Johnson, passed away Wednesday, Jan 20 2010, in Ocala, FL. Mel was the epitome of a Air Force Chief, he loved his country, family an the Air Force. Chief Johnson serviced as Superintendent of C-130 Maintenance for Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC)Hurlburt AFB, Fort Walton Beach FL. A dedicated Chief and avid golfer, Mel will be sorely miss by his fellow Chiefs, friends and family.

Funeral service will begin at 11AM Tuesday Jan 26, 2010 at Shiloh Seventh Day church, 500 SW 17th AVE Ocala FL. 34471. (352)629-6857.

Posted 24 January 2010


My father passed away from a very long 17 month battle with Brain cancer on 4-13-2009.

He was a beloved Father, A cherished Grandfather, A devoted Husband, An Adored Son, A caring Brother, and he loved and served his country like few have.

Submitted by Robert Kingsly son of this Fallen Chief.

Posted 19 January 2010





 

Chief Wendell Ray Lee had a memorable and significant career in the Air Force. He served his country for 30 years.

The Air Force promoted the first Chiefs on 1 Dec 1959. Chief Lee was recognized as one of the most Senior Chiefs in our Air Force. He served on active duty from 1943 to 1963 and then served an additional 10 years in the Air Force Reserve. He flew 25 combat missions over Germany as a Radio Operator and waist gunner on the B-17 Aircraft. After WW II, he served in many locations throughout the United States and overseas. His last assignment was the 552 Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing at McClellan AFB, CA.
He will be sorely missed by all whom he touched and his final resting place will be in Arlington National Cemetery. Rest in peace my friend.

Posted 14 January 2010


CMSgt Tom Heitz was one of the most dedicated NCOs I have known. He worked the Flight line while assigned to the 41st Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Sq, 41st Rescue and Reconnaissance Wing, McClellan AFB, CA. One could see Tom working on the ramp during all hours of the night and day. He loved working around airplanes and the Air Force. He will be missed by all the folks he touched throughout his career.

CLICK HERE to add your Condolences.

Posted 10 December 2009

 

Roy was born on 12 Nov 1945 and he died on 25 Nov 2009. Roy was the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Commander, Air Logistics Center, McClellan AFB, CA during the period 1995 to 1998 . He was a good friend and an outstanding CMSgt. He loved the Air Force and enjoyed meeting and interacting with the enlisted people for whom he was responsible. He touched the lives of many throughout his long career in the Air Force and we all mourn his loss. Rest in peace my friend.

CMSgt George Moses (USAF Retired)
President of the McClellan Chief's Group


Posted 2009

 

Posted 2 December 2009

CMSgt Milton Francis Applehof, age 65, of Yuba City, CA, tragically passed away August 22, 2009.

He was born August 13, 1944, in South Dakota, and has been a Yuba-Sutter resident since 1979. Milton was an avid Goldwing Motorcycle rider with Chapter T, Goldwing Touring Assoc., and passed away doing what he loved. Milton volunteered his time and motorcycle for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Association, Muscular Dystrophy and other organizations. He also was a volunteer for Fremont Rideout Hospice. He was a member of St. Isidore Catholic Church, Blackbird Assoc., Knights of Columbus, the Moose Lodge and Herman Son's German Club. Milton dedicated 30 years to his country through his military service in the United States Air Force, serving in the Vietnam War and retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant. He retired from Beale Air Force Base in 1992.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Fremont-Rideout Hospice (939 Live Oak, CA 95991), Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (C/O-GWTA-Sue Leamons (Treasurer) 2414 Val Dr., Marysville, CA 95901), or a charity of your choice.

 

Submitted by Ronald L. Burton
Beale, Air Force Base, CA

Posted 9 November 2009



Ray passed away suddenly. Our 20 year old son is entering the
USAF on Feb. 2 and has many questions for his dad.
Ray was in the AF 30yrs. It's still so difficult to live without him.

Posted 6 October 2009

Chief Treat loved the Air Force and served 30 years active duty, 1948-1978. He retired at Cannon AFB and subsequently moved back to the family farm in Arkansas but his heart never left the Air Force. Military Honors at his funeral were provided by Little Rock AFB.


Chief Treat's daughter has requested that the following words be added here in the Chief's honor.

My father was the epitome of an Air Force Chief. He loved his country, his family and his people. He instilled in his children, all five of us, the same values. He took care of his Airmen and he took care of his family. We are so very proud of his accomplishments. Thanks to him, I will soon be promoted to Colonel, and my only regret is that he died without being able to see it, he would have been so very proud. I have embodied his values throughout my career and that has been the foundation for my success. Have integrity, always do the right thing even it is unpopular, and take care of your people. That is what he taught me and I have tried to always do just that. I miss him beyond belief and loved him so very much. He is my hero.

I love you Daddy,
Col (S) Jane Treat Denton

Posted 28 July 2009

Best friend Mentor and Chief's Chief

Posted 16 July 2009

Bill died At age 61 after 28 yrs. usaf. at Maryville Tenn.
His wife's name is Faith Guinn. last known phone number
865 983-7691

Posted 14 July 2009

He was at McCoy AFB 1965-1966. He died in Orlando fl in aprox. 1999 at the age of 75.
My phone number is 386-668-7157
John Blalock

Posted 14 July 2009

CMSgt Glenn B. Fullum--Born 1936 and passed away this year. Oftentimes one hears the comment that a person is a Chief's Chief. I am not sure what that signifies but Chief Glenn Fullum was an Airman's Chief. That means he took care of the Airmen throughout his career. One could always find the Chief on the flightline, day or night, making sure the troops were being cared for. Chief Fullum was selected under the old 33 year program but unlike many other Chiefs who chose to retire prior to that time, he served the full 33 years on active duty. One of his greatest achievements occured in 1972 when he was selected as one of the Twelve Outstanding Airmen in the Air Force, while he was stationed at McChord AFB, WA as a SMSgt. When one considers how many active duty personnel we had on board during that time frame, that honor is reserved for only the "Creme de la Creme". Chief Fullum was one of a kind. He touched the lives of many of us and we will always remember him. Rest in peace my friend.

CMSgt George Moses

Posted 25 June 2009


Posted 16 May 2009

 I met Chief Centolella only by communications when trying to locate ex members of 551st Electronics Maintenance Squadron for a reunion. Ray was blind and had to have niece do communications for him. He was already in Army Air Corps as a Radio Operator on B-18 when WWII started he transitioned to the more modern Bombers of WWII. He was at Ottis AFB from 1955-1963 where he was NCOIC of Communications/Navaids maintenance in 551st then moved on to ADC Headquarters from 1963-1967. He retired with over 30 years service.

MSgt Jack R. Kerr USAF (Retired)


CMSgt Ret. Don Wilson Hamilton passed away Monday, March 16, 2009, from lung disease. With great pride and honor, he served his country in the United States Air Force for 31 years, was a decorated veteran of many wars, and was a founding member of the AMMO Chiefs Association.

He was married to his wife, the former Grace Foulds of Romford, Essex, England, for 44 years. They have three children, Denise D’Amore of Dade City, Florida; Gary Hamilton of Baldwinsville, New York; and Debbie Miller of Kathleen, Georgia. They also have 11 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.

He will be sadly missed by his many friends and family.

Posted 17 March 2009




Chief Marcel-Henri Joseph Claing was a great Chief. He retired in 1982 after serving his country for over 32 years on active duty.
His passion was mentoring young enlisted troops and he did it with great efficiency. Chief Claing was very active in the Air Force
Sergeants Association and he served as President, Division 13, State of CA for 4 yrs; also a lifetime member of the NCOA and the
VFW. He was a member of our McClellan Chiefs Group from its inception in 1985 and was involved in many of our activities in the Group. Chief Claing was a giant of a man and he will be sorely missed by all those who knew him and whose lives he touched.

Rest in peace, my friend.

Chief George Moses (USAF Retired)
President of the McClellan Chiefs Group




I love you Grandpa

I loved him very much. Iwill miss him.he was a good Chief, man, and grandfather to me. This is for you grandpa. I miss you wherever you are please remember that Nicole loves you and will be with you forever.

Sincerely,
Nicole Ivinita Cojo
c
Your Grand daughter

Posted 20 Febuary 2008

Emi Kearns loving wife of CMSgt Jim Kearns,
of our McClellan Chiefs Group, passed away in
11 May 2005.

Emi was not only a strong supporter of her husband
during his military career but she also continued to
support him in his activities with the McClellan Chiefs
Group even after retirement from the Air Force.

Posted 11 May 2005

 

Barbara S, Hegelien loving wife of CMSgt Al Hegelein,
of our McClellan Chiefs Group, passed away on
January 29, 2008.

Barb was not only a strong supporter of her husband
during his military career but she also continued to
support him in his activities with the McClellan Chiefs
Group and the RAO (Retiree Activity Office
upon his retirement from the Air Force.

Posted 9 February 2008

How You Spend Your Dash


I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on his tombstone
From the beginning to the end.

He noticed that first was the date of birth
And read the following date with tears
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the DASH between those years.

For the DASH represents all of the time
That he spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved him
Know what that little line is worth.

It matters not how much we own
The house, the cars, the cash
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spent our DASH.

So think about this long and hard,
Are there things you'd like to change
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be arranged

If we could just slow down enough
And consider what's true and real
And always try to understand
Just how other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we never loved before.

Let's treat each other with respect
And always wear a smile
Remembering that this special
DASH will only last a little while.

And when your eulogy is being read
With you life's actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your DASH.

This poem posted here with the expressed permission
of © Linda's Lyrics. Reproduction of this poem is
prohibited without the sole permission of Linda's Lyrics...

HONOR A CHIEF TODAY!

If you know of a Chief who has died and would like
us to pay tribute to him or her, on this page, with a personalized Marker Stone please
CLICK HERE
and you will be taken to a form where you can submit the Name,
Date of Birth and Date of Death of the Chief you wish us to honor.

NOTE: Once you have filled out the form and submit it you will be returned back to this this page. If you go to the Form page in error and wish to return to this page simple click on the Back Arrow on your web browser.

A Marker for the Chief you submitted will be posted on this very page usually within 24 hours. 

If you send us a request for a Marker to be placed on this page for a Fallen Chief it will be posted here with Dignity and Honor. It may be removed at any time as additional web site space is needed.

 
 

Arranging for their Last Parade

National Cemetery Association

The Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery
Administration's web site is designed to assist you with
information on VA's National Cemeteries and Burial Benefits.

This flag is presented to you on behalf of a grateful nation
as a token of our appreciation for the honorable and faithful
service rendered by your loved one.


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