Chief Gaylor reflects on the state of the Air Force

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Peter R.O. Danielson
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  "It's great to be back at Offutt," he said, with his eyes glittering with a hidden light. "We're back where the Air Force began, with the history of (the Strategic Air Command). When I come here, I feel like I'm back in touch with that."

He settled back in his padded chair, crossed his knees and smiled widely. On July 29, he expressed the same comfort speaking in front of more than 1,000 Airmen at the Bennie Davis Maintenance Facility during an enlisted call.

This is the life of retired Chief Master Sgt. Robert Gaylor, who chief master sergeant of the Air Force from August 1977 to his retirement in July 1979. Soon, he'll return to his home in San Antonio, Texas, but this week was devoted to connecting with the men and women who keep Offutt running.

"When I go places, they show me dorms and planes," said the retired chief. "Show me people! I want to interact."

Interaction at Offutt was not limited to the upper echelon. Each meal at Offutt the chief spent eating with different groups of Airmen, junior NCO, senior NCOs, first sergeants and chief master sergeants. Chief Gaylor also spent time talking with Airmen in the First Term Airman's Center and company grade officers during an officer's call.

Chief Gaylor has been spreading a message of maintaining positive attitudes and striving for technical aptitude at more than 30 air force bases every year.

"It's what I do," Chief Gaylor said, taking a slow sip of water. "I'm so proud to have served, and I do this because I want to. It's my way to give back."

Because of his home's vicinity to Lackland Air Force Base, Chief Gaylor frequently attends Air Force Basic Military Training events, participating in graduations, BEAST week and the creation of a Lackland Heritage Center.

"I'm very tuned into basic training," said Chief Gaylor. "The young men and women entering the Air Force today are so impressive in their aptitude and motivation. The Airmen I'm meeting are a big 'wow!'"

The strong quality of new Airmen encourages Chief Gaylor for the Air Force's continuing success.

"My greatest accomplishment was that I was willing and able to address the issues of the day," he said. "No-one can anticipate the issues, but you can take them as they come. Be part of a team that's ready for it.

"What makes the Air Force so great is that 'we' is a much greater pronoun than 'I,'" Chief Gaylor said, interlacing his fingers in his lap. "It's always important to remember that you're part of a team."

This sense of relying on Wingmen was not always a tradition.

"When I first joined, there was absolutely no trust given to enlisted members from officers," said Chief Gaylor.

In 1949, the badges Chief Gaylor wore as an air policeman had to be checked in and out at each shift because people weren't trusted to take them home.

"The trust I see today has been earned by the millions of enlisted members that have served before.

"Over the years, we were a little bit neglectful in separating the officer and enlisted corps," said the chief. "Officers were entering the force without an appreciation for what the enlisted members do. That's changed, but there's still a gap. We should maintain that difference, but foster a strong interaction."

Chief Gaylor acknowledged the close of the "Year of the Air Force Family" with great admiration for the family support systems we have in place, but with a critique of the wording.

"Every year should be the 'Year of the Air Force Family,' or 'of the NCO,'" he said. "We should be paying the same level of attention every year."

"We'll continue to maintain our family concern, but we should be careful not to spotlight a program and then forget it," he continued.

Shaking his legs out to stand, Chief Gaylor gave one last piece of advice.

"Whether you serve four, six or 30 years, enjoy your time in the Air Force," he said.