Fifth CMSgt of the Air Force visits Whiteman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lacie Carmody
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The fifth chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited Team Whiteman Oct. 17 to 19, sharing stories about his military background and comparing the changes from yesterday's Air Force to today's Air Force.

Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert D. Gaylor spoke about the evolution of the Air Force since his retirement thirty years ago. He stated that today's training, technology and the care afforded to families are the best they've ever been, and supervisors place more faith in their younger airmen in today's air force.

"I think we do a better job trusting our airmen," Gaylor said. "I think we train them, prepare them, and allow them to do their job. I entered an Air Force that didn't have a lot of trust where I was closely supervised and observed. Everything was just sort of saying to me, 'we don't really know if we can trust you.' I think we've worked that out."

During his visit, Gaylor took time to speak to recent graduates of ALS and made stops at the security forces squadron, explosive ordnance disposal flight and visited the flight line to view a B-2 Spirit.

Gaylor also spoke about his time in the Air Force and why he reenlisted throughout his career.

"I really thought about the Texas Highway patrol. I actually tested, took the physical, and changed my mind. I never pursued it," he said. "So in a sense I never really needed convincing, I think the Air Force and I were meant. I think it was just a logical match. I have no regrets. Thirty-one years and I loved it."

Gaylor ended his visit to Whiteman by speaking at the ALS graduation Oct. 18. He said the most rewarding thing to happen to him since his retirement is his continued involvement with the Air Force, and his ability to travel around the country and speak at different bases, extending his stories to young Airmen.

He also noted, with humor, he travels more now than he did while on active duty but considers himself blessed and lucky to be extended the opportunities the Air Force affords him since his retirement.