WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Chief Master Sergeant Kathleen M. McCool is the new 509th Bomb Wing command chief master sergeant.
She serves as the senior-enlisted advisor to Col. Jeffrey Schreiner, the 509th BW commander, and his staff on topics such as mission effectiveness, professional development, military readiness, training, utilization, health, morale, and welfare of the command’s 3,900 enlisted Airmen.
McCool also provides strategic leadership and direction for the Total Force supporting and performing global combat operations helping to sustain America’s deterrence capabilities.
Additionally, she maintains host installation support for 6,000 tenant unit and family members including an Air Force Reserve Wing, Missouri Air National Guard Bomb Wing, a reconnaissance squadron and a Missouri Army National Guard battalion. She supports flying assets in excess of $46 billion and a $147 million operations and maintenance budget.
During a recent interview, she gave the 509th BW Public Affairs office her take after her first month on the job.
How has your first month as the 509th Command Chief been?
This first month has been amazing. I am excited to learn more about our mission and what each Airmen does to contribute to that mission. I have been truly impressed with the level of professionalism of all I have met across Team Whiteman.
What are some of your key takeaways/observations so far?
Most important is the awesome task we have been given to be ready at any moment to defend this Nation. Our Airmen have an amazing responsibility and do amazing things so Americans can sleep in peace at night. Second, Missouri is a great place to live. I like the small town feel of living on this installation and cannot wait to have my family join me.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I am most looking forward to the time I will spend with Airmen. I like learning about what our people do and how they contribute to readiness and lethality.
Why is Airman wellness a priority for you?
Airmen are what makes our Air Force run. We cannot accomplish our mission without Airmen making it happen. I understand how life can hit you hard, or even how the daily grind can get to a person. This requires that we focus on Airmen’s wellness. This will be a major focus of mine during my tenure at Whiteman.