8th AF Command Chief visits

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stephen Linch
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Command Chief Master Sgt. Todd Kabalan, the 8th Air Force command chief master sergeant, visited Whiteman this week to see the 509th Bomb Wing perform its mission first hand.

Chief Kabalan is stationed at 8th Air Force Headquarters, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and is the senior enlisted adviser to Lt. Gen. Robert Elder, 8th Air Force commander. He
is keen on such issues as morale, welfare and improving the effectiveness of more than 38,000 enlisted Airmen assigned to the information operations and bomber war fighting missions of 8th Air Force.

While here, Chief Kabalan visited with Col. Garrett Harencak, 509th BW commander, key enlisted leaders, Airmen's Council, Tier Two, Top 3, First Term Airmen's Center and several other facilities around the base.

After speaking to Team Whiteman members, Chief Kabalan said he knows Whiteman's quality Airmen are doing a fantastic job supporting the strategic deterrence and global strike missions critical to winning the War on Terror.

"We have the smartest, brightest and most motivated Airmen that we have had in the history of our Air Force," said the 29-year Air Force veteran.

Furthermore, the chief said he believes it is important that the world's finest men and women know where they fit into the big picture.

"My number one priority is to make sure each Airman understands how they fit in the big scheme of the 8th Air Force mission," Chief Kabalan said. "It is critical that each Airman understands how they support the wing, 8th Air Force, Air Combat Command, and our great Air Force."

"The conclusion I have drawn is that you lead the way," Chief Kabalan said. "The B-2's is a stand alone mission and no other unit in the world does what you do. I was extremely impressed with many Airmen here at Whiteman specifically Staff Sgts. Dennis Swafford and John Hass, 509th Munitions Squadron."

They are talented non-commisioned officers who are doing a phenomenal job leading in one of the most critical areas in our Air Force, he said.

"Their attention to detail and motivation are great examples of how the mission should be accomplished and I am proud to be associated with them."

Chief Kabalan said his follow-up visit was as promising as his initial visit.

"You are making sure people take notice of the capability the 509th brings to the war on terror," he said. "It is not necessarily an effect everyone can see, but an effect that is understood and realized."