New command chief sets sights on communication, helping Airmen Published Aug. 30, 2011 By Senior Airman Jami K. Lancette 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- There's a new chief in town and she's out and about meeting the troops. Chief Master Sgt. Karen Perkins took over as the 434th Air Refueling Wing command chief at Grissom Aug. 1 and has already set her sights on meeting as many people as she can. The chief hit the ground running, making her way through the 434th Communications and Civil Engineer Squadrons because she said she believes in fostering good, open and honest communication between unit members and their leadership. She added that communication is key to positive growth in teamwork. "We need communication across all of the agencies with all of the people to make it work," said Perkins. "My vision is to see good cohesive teamwork amongst all the groups and all of the people here so that we can accomplish the mission." As the 434th ARW command chief, she advises the commander on matters influencing the health, morale, welfare and effective utilization of more than 1,400 personnel within the wing and serves as the commander's representative at numerous functions. The chief also serves as the spokesperson and liaison between the enlisted force and the commander. Chief Perkins' educational background and work history helped prepare her for new leadership role and develop the vision she wishes to accomplish. Perkins has obtained two Community College of the Air Force degrees; one in aircraft maintenance management, and the other in human resource management. She also holds a bachelor's degree in professional aeronautics and a master's degree in leadership. In conjunction with her educational accomplishments, Perkins has had a plethora of experiences during her Air Force career that have prepared her to be the 434th ARW's senior enlisted advisor, including several years as a first sergeant. During that time she was named first sergeant of the year four times. Prior to joining Grissom's team, Perkins was the chief enlisted manager and group superintendant for the 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., where she oversaw 3,900 civilian, active duty and reserve workers. "It gave me a lot of diversity and experience to help me fill in here," said Perkins, who is a veteran of Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. After finishing her duties at Tinker, she took over the command chief position here. Not only is the chief focused on military duties and education, she is also active in her local community and has volunteered her time on base with various agencies. Since arriving at Grissom, Perkins said she has been impressed with both the base facilities and the quality of people here. "I think it's small, quaint, and I'm impressed with the quality of the buildings here," she said. In closing the Chief said her vision is positive, and she believes it will help Grissom continue to grow in a positive direction with a focus on taking care of the Airmen so they can take care of the mission. The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Twitter and Facebook.
