Photo By Staff Sgt. Camille Lienau | The 104th Fighter Wing held a Change of Responsibility, Saturday, November 2, 2024, at...... read more read more
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The 104th Fighter Wing held a Change of Responsibility ceremony Nov. 2, 2024, as the Wing bid farewell to Command Chief Master Sergeant Stephen Jeffers and welcomed Command Chief Master Sergeant Michael Gardner. The formal ceremony took place at the main hangar on Barnes Air National Guard Base, honoring the transition of leadership and the service of the senior enlisted leaders.
A Change of Responsibility ceremony is a significant tradition in the U.S. Air Force. It honors the official and formal transfer of leadership between the outgoing and incoming senior enlisted leaders, emphasizing their role in ensuring the welfare, readiness, and morale of enlisted Airmen.
The official party entered to the sounds of Tech. Sgt. Troy Chauvin playing the bagpipes, marking the start of the ceremony. Following Tanner Watson‘s performance of the National Anthem on electric guitar, Chaplain Josh Carollo gave the invocation, thanking Jeffers for his camaraderie and leadership and asking for Gardner to have courage, compassion, and insight in taking over the role.
Col. David ‘Moon’ Halasi-Kun, 104th Fighter Wing commander, addressed the crowd by quoting French philosopher and fighter pilot, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea," said Halasi-Kun.
Halasi-Kun then asked those in attendance to reflect on the words.
“Think about what that means to you as a leader, a follower, an Airman and a soldier,” Halasi-Kun said. “What makes you want to come here? What makes you want to serve? It’s not the orders. It’s not the tasks. It’s the inspiration of the men and the women who command the men and the women who we work with to lead us into better and greater things and to want more than the day-to-day.”
He commended Jeffers for his service and highlighted his contributions to the wing and his abilities to foster inspiration, professionalism and a yearning for what is yet to come. Halasi-Kun spoke about the outgoing Command Chief’s dedication to improving the well-being of enlisted Airmen, managing crises and thanked him for his leadership and service.
Halasi-Kun then spoke to his incoming Command Chief, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on readiness, leading through conversion and forging future leaders.
“We need to inspire. We need to empower. We need to trust,” said Halasi-Kun. “I know you’re the right man to do that.”
Jeffers then addressed the wing, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve as the Wing’s senior enlisted leader, and thanking his family for their support and sacrifices during his career. In a heartfelt speech, the outgoing Chief reflected on his tenure and the challenges faced during his time in the role. Jeffers thanked the Wing’s Airmen and leadership for their support and hard work.
“Enabling this warfighting machine to our continued legacy and excellence has been one of the most inspiring events in my life,” said Jeffers. “Even when Barnestormers fall, we pick up and move forward on the objective.”
The ceremony concluded with the transfer of the wing colors and responsibility to Gardner. Before Gardner spoke to those in attendance, flowers were presented to Jeffers' wife and daughter in recognition of their support, while a Command Chief coin was presented to his son and son-in-law.
Gardner thanked the wing, distinguished guests and his family. He spoke about the privilege of assuming the senior enlisted leader role.
“I am filled with a tremendous sense of gratitude and honor to stand here as the next Command Chief,” said Gardner. “To me, it’s not just another position; it’s the ultimate responsibility to our mission, and most importantly, to the Airmen who make Barnes such a special place.”
Gardner expressed his commitment to supporting the wing’s enlisted force and reaffirmed his dedication to maintaining the high standards of the Air Force and facing the challenges ahead.
“Regardless of the job, we take pride in our high level of expertise and technical competence,” Gardner said. “We forge leaders, curate careers of those in our charge and produce productive citizens of our local communities.”
The Change of Responsibility ceremony also served to reinforce the essential role senior enlisted leaders play in shaping the culture and readiness of the Air National Guard. The Wing looks forward to continued success under Gardner's leadership and his focus on mentorship, excellence, and supporting the enlisted force.
| Date Taken: | 11.03.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.19.2024 08:50 |
| Story ID: | 485564 |
| Location: | WESTFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, US |
| Web Views: | 87 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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