Spangdahlem recognizes new chiefs Published Jan. 28, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Timothy Kim 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Fighter Wing honored seven senior master sergeants during a Chief Master Sergeant Recognition Ceremony at Club Eifel here Jan. 23, 2015, for earning the rank of chief master sergeant during last year's promotion board. U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Richard Small, NATO's Allied Command Operations command senior enlisted leader and native of Kershaw, South Carolina, spoke at the ceremony to recognize the new selects and offer words of advice. "Tonight, we celebrate and recognize those who have risen to the pinnacle of the Air Force enlisted experience," Small said. "As chiefs, the manner in which you perform your duties will not only impact the daily operations of the unit, but the mission readiness of the U.S. Air Force and the joint team and our great alliance. Your leadership and, more importantly, the way in which you lead will cascade across generations of Airmen, officers and enlisted, impacting those who serve today and influencing the way in which they will lead in the future." Though seven were acknowledged, only six were present at the ceremony as one was away on a deployment to an undisclosed location. A progression of rank candle-lighting ceremony was held to symbolize each enlisted rank that the new chiefs attained on their way to their current position. "I believe the leadership of chiefs is important to the training and development of our Airmen," Small said. "As we designate you for this great opportunity, we're going to place you in positions of even greater responsibility and entrust you with our most valuable resource - our people. I believe people are the heart and soul of our Air Force. Our success as the most lethal war-fighting force ever known rests squarely on the shoulders of our people. And our success, chiefs, will depend on you as you lead wearing the chevrons as U.S. Air Force chief master sergeants." A total of 150 family members, friends and coworkers attended the ceremony to commemorate the occasion with the new chiefs. Spangdahlem's Chief Selects - William Barreda, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron - Paul Ellis, 52nd Dental Squadron - Johnny Harris, 52nd Communications Squadron - Joseph Ilsley, 702nd Munitions Support Squadron - Shedrick Mitchell, 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron - Wesley Ruuti, 52nd Maintenance Group - Curtis Wilson, 606th Air Control Squadron