Airman gives fresh perspective to chiefs induction Published May 7, 2014 By Airman Basic Nicholas Johnson 908th Airlift Wing MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- I was recently given the privilege to attend one of the most interesting events the Air Force offers, a Chief's induction ceremony. Its not too often, from what I've been told, that you see many senior master sergeants take the highest enlisted rank. The thing that hit me the most was the years of devotion each and every one of the inductees put in to achieve that rank. I had a fantastic time getting to know, on a bigger scale, what my commanders liked, loved, their past experiences and what they do. It also showed me more fully what I have to strive for. The night started out with a wonderful dinner, and then a description of the importance of each rank, starting from airman basic all the way to chief master sergeant. This part of the ceremony didn't just make me feel like an airman basic, it made me feel like the future of the Air Force, reassuring me I wasn't just the bottom of the ladder. No matter your rank, you make the Air Force great. Now I'm sure everyone has had that shy feeling when you don't have too many stripes in a room with top enlisted and commissioned personnel, but this was different. As the night went on, I felt like I was part of a family watching its own be honored for the years of service they so willingly sacrificed. I wish everyone could attend this ceremony. It is not only to congratulate those who have achieved their goal, but there to motivate young Airmen, and even officers, to never give up on their dreams of reaching their goal of being on top of the hill, and to strive to go beyond. The night sent a clear message to everyone in attendance; no matter what rank, how long you've been in, or what you've accomplished, there is no stopping what you can achieve in the Air Force.