US AIR FORCE
Chief Master Sgt. Thomas N. Barnes, appointed to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force in 1973, was the first African-American to serve in the highest enlisted rank within the U.S. Air Force. He provided advice on matters concerning welfare, education, effective utilization and progress of the enlisted members of the Air Force to two secretaries of the Air Force and two chiefs of staff of the Air Force. One particular health-related issue he was instrumental in bringing to the attention of senior military leaders was Pseudo Folliculitis Barbae, a skin condition caused by shaving that highly affected African-American males. The major award and decorations he received during his time of service included: Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Outstanding Airman of the Year. During an interview, Chief Barnes was once asked how he would like to be remembered.
"I'd like to be remembered as a role model for people who believe they can't get there," he said. "It was an honor to have been chosen (as the CMSAF) on the basis of my qualifications, as opposed to my race or my gender.
| Date Taken: | 02.08.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 02.12.2018 15:58 |
| Photo ID: | 4136645 |
| VIRIN: | 180208-O-DU308-439 |
| Resolution: | 201x251 |
| Size: | 52.39 KB |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 88 |
| Downloads: | 15 |
This work, Black History Month 2018 [Image 3 of 3], by Laurie Pearson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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