'That's why I serve'; Saber Nation welcomes new command chief

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Fighter Wing welcomed U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brian Gates as the new command chief this month, taking the place of Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Grengs who departed in May.

Gates arrived from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he served as the 31st Mission Support Group superintendent. Though this is his first assignment as command chief, the prior security forces Airman has a long career of helping Airmen and developing future leaders, including an assignment with the 343rd Training Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. There, he helped shape the next generation of Defenders, as he aims to do now for Saber Nation.

"That's why I serve, to serve Airmen," said the San Francisco, Calif., native. "As you grow, even at the most senior levels and you are given leadership opportunities ... you have to stay in touch with where you started."

Gates' military history goes further back than his enlistment in 1988; it started four generations ago with his great grandfather who was a U.S. Marine during World War I. Since then, every succeeding generation has served in the military, and Gates knew since grade school that that's what he wanted to do.

"I talked to a recruiter my junior year of high school, and my first day of senior year I entered the delayed enlistment program," he said. "I actually missed my first day of my senior year of high school because I was at [the military entrance processing station] getting sworn in."

With several tours overseas, Gates said he understands the importance of respect for the German citizens and stressed that it is everyone's responsibility to do the same. We must never forget that we represent our country, even after we take off the uniform, he said.

"We are guests as Americans in their country," Gates added. "The partnership that we share with Germany and with our local community leaders is vitally important."

According to Gates, mentorship is key, and it is every Airman's task to pass on the positive lessons learned to strengthen the Air Force as a whole.

"I have been rewarded greatly, so that's what I try to do, pay it forward," he said. "Hopefully in this position I can pay it forward to the Airmen here at Spangdahlem."

Command chiefs act as the primary advisors to commanders on matters concerning health, welfare, morale, readiness, training, quality of life, professional development, and utilization of the enlisted force. In his role at Spangdahlem, Gates also provides guidance to 26 chief master sergeants and 18 first sergeants.