Command chief retires after 32 years of service Published April 29, 2015 By Senior Airman Jami K. Lancette 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- As the weather begins to change another change is happening in the form of leadership at the 434th Air Refueling Wing. Amid family, friends and fellow Airmen, Chief Master Sgt. Karen Perkins, 434th Air Refueling Wing command chief, stood front and center one last time to say farewell to the Air Force after 32 years of service during her retirement ceremony here April 12. "I have had a great time in my career," said Perkins. "I started out as a jet engine mechanic; cross utilized as a crew chief, first sergeant, group superintendent and finally command chief. "I have met some fantastic people along the way, visited some beautiful countries and learned so much," Perkins added. "The Air Force has given me so many opportunities which has helped me grow as a person and a leader." Perkins' Air Force career began 1982 when she left her hometown to attend basic military training. After basic, she was assigned to the 96th Field Maintenance Squadron, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas as a jet engine mechanic. She transferred to the Air Force Reserve in 1987 where she became a first sergeant and helped stand-up the first reserve associate airborne warning and control squadron. Additionally as a reservist, she helped stand-up a reactivated regular Air Force airborne warning and control system squadron and was a member of the inaugural Maintenance Standardization Evaluation Program Team, Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. Perkins has experience working on B-52 Stratofortress, KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-10 Extender aircraft. She has deployed in support of Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. "Some of the best experiences in my career were being a first sergeant," said Perkins. "I had six or seven suicide saves as a first shirt. "It is really rewarding when you can take that troubled Arman and get them turned around to a productive contributor," Perkins added. "It's also a great feeling when you can get the folks recognized for the great things they do." As Perkins said goodbye to Grissom and headed back to her home in Oklahoma, she reflected on her arrival here and taking the command chief position. "There were some significant challenges when I first arrived," said Perkins. "The wing had been without a command chief for over eight months and there were some programs that had to be reinvigorated. "It's been a challenging but rewarding position and it's incredible to see the accomplishments of this wing," Perkins concluded. "No one sits in this seat and makes changes without it being a team effort though." As is common practice in a retirement ceremony of a chief master sergeant, a formation representing all enlisted ranks posted in front of the stage and passed down the American Flag as Perkins' dates of promotion were narrated to the crowd, summarizing her career. Grissom is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, as well as three Army Reserve units. Airmen, Soldiers and Marines routinely deploy from Grissom around the world in support of the Department of Defense mission and U.S. strategic objectives. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
