908th Command Chief heads for Homestead

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jay Ponder
  • 908th Airlift Wing
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  Command Chief Master Sgt. Cameron Kirksey recently departed the 908th Airlift Wing to take a new position as command chief of the 482nd Fighter Wing at Homestead Air Reserve Base, which is comprised of more than 1,600 personnel.

In addition, 200-300 active-duty members will also be coming on-station due to active association under the Total Force Integration.

"This will be the first time since Hurricane Andrew that active-duty personnel will be stationed at Homestead," Chief Kirksey said. "General Stenner likes to refer to Homestead as the premier base for AFRC. There's a lot of visibility at that base. For instance, when the hurricane hit Haiti last year, all of the relief operations originated out of Homestead."

Chief Kirksey, who has been the 908th's command chief since March 2009, and a member of the wing for 23 years, said leaving is bittersweet.
"I'm ready to leave. Other opportunities do exist. But it's 50-50. The 908th Airlift Wing is home for me."

Wistfully gazing at his plaques on his wall, Chief Kirksey, who enlisted in the Air Force Reserve in March of 1988 here at Maxwell AFB, reminisced about his history with the unit. His 'standout' experience was the most recent ORI preparation just after he became command chief.

"When Chief Kirksey took over, it was during a really tough time because it was right before the ORI," said Chief Owen Duke, recently selected as the 908th's new command chief. "It was sort of like herding cats, trying to get all the pieces, parts and players together and working on focusing on the levels we needed to complete. Wthout him doing the things he did, we might not have done as well."

"It was gratifying to help the unit become a well-oiled machine," Chief Kirksey said. "Has every day been rosy? Absolutely not! Obstacles will always be present. However, it is these obstacles , roadblocks and challenges that sharpen and mold us into true professionals, collectively, that makes this unit simply the best!

"I'm going to take that with me, that inner strength, to show them what we're really made of here."

Having been with the 908th for 23 years, more than 16 in POL/Supply, he feels his 908th experience has prepared him for his new job.
"I left LRS and gained a new perspective of the wing, which has broadened my scope of responsibilities," he said.

The message Chief Kirksey wants to impart to 908th members is to "get involved, get in the 'know."

"It's said it's about who you know, but in reality it's about who knows you." he said, "The more you step outside your comfort zone, the more contact you can have with key leaders. Express your desire to succeed."

Chief Duke said it was always good to see him in all the wing areas.
"That's why I said, 'I've never met you,' when we made the presentation to him at the June commander's call. "Every time you turned around, he was always moving. Chief Kirksey kind of changed what a command chief does by being more visible and accessible. He did a lot for us."

"Cameron Kirksey is truly one of a kind and I will miss him," said 908th Wing Commander Col. Brett Clark, "Speaking on the behalf of the entire wing, we thank him for a job very well done and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors at the 482nd."

"The 908th has served me well - from Airman to command chief," Chief Kirksey concluded. "As your servant leader, I couldn't ask for a better starting point. I am truly grateful and thankful for the men and women of the 908th. I salute you!