14th CMSAF Murray reminds Airmen to look out for one another

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Keith Holcomb
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Gerald Murray, the 14th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force visited Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, on Oct. 25 to connect with Airmen, understand the 14th Flying Training Wing’s mission and serve as the guest speaker to Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 20-01/02, graduation ceremony.

Murray served as an aircraft crew chief during his time in the Air Force, working on the F-4 Phantom, F-16 Fighting Falcon and the A-10 Thunderbolt II and had eight maintenance assignments during his career.

Serving as a command chief for a Numbered Air Force major command, and as the chief master sergeant of the Air Force, Murray has met with a lot of Airmen and units over of the years. During his all call and graduation ceremony, Murray didn’t soften his speech and said that after all those years one of the most important things Airmen can do is to care.

“You have to care,” Murray said. “There’s a lot of emphasis, and rightfully so today on the high suicide rate that we have. With the stresses that come with the challenges we have out there, showing you care goes a long way. Having a genuine care for those around you helps us all collectively get through it.”

He gave examples of when he was a young Airman to when he was a chief master sergeant. As Murray reminisced, he recalled a time early in his career when a senior airman asked him what he wanted. Murray said he replied with wanting to be the best crew chief he could be. The Airman then said to follow him and nobody else to reach his goals.

Murray explained this Airman helped him become a better crew chief and was an impactful leader, possibly putting his career on the path he walked.

He continued to expand on what care really means. It doesn’t matter what their rank is, stated Murray. They can care about others and lead a unit, squadron, or group from their position. He reminded the junior officers and enlisted specifically that they are the backbone and future of the Air Force. They need to care for their fellow Airmen and be bold.

Murray said the Air Force he joined was a force with little true discipline; and he was proud to grow in and watch the Air Force develop to the well-disciplined and intelligent force it is today.

In Murray’s opinion, the newest generation of Airmen are some of the brightest the Air Force has had and it’s exciting to know where they will take the Air Force.