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Herman leaves Grissom: Heads to Capital

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jami K. Lancette
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  From firefighter to command chief, now Grissom’s highest enlisted Airman is aiming higher and heading to the nation’s Capital.

Command Chief Master Sgt. Robert Herman, 434th Air Refueling Wing command chief, recently accepted a new position as the chief of senior enlisted management at the Pentagon in Washington D.C.

“It’s going to be very valuable for him being at the Pentagon,” said Col. Paul Gates, 434th Air Refueling Wing vice commander. “Going directly from a wing, he will be able to show up to the pentagon with direct recent knowledge of the things that we’re facing here in terms of accomplishing the mission and what our Airmen experience on a day-to-day basis.”

As Grissom’s command chief, Herman was the primary adviser to the wing commander on all enlisted issues including the health, welfare, morale, mission effectiveness and proper utilization of more than 1,400 men and women.

And with that experience under his wings, Herman will play a bigger role as he helps cultivate future senior leaders for various leadership roles at the major command level and higher.

“Being a command chief has better prepared me for this next position that I will embark on,” said Herman. “It has renewed my appreciation for the sacrifices that traditional reservists make to serve their country.

“There are many obstacles that traditional reservists overcome on a monthly basis; many come from different states, so coming here for a busy weekend all the while balancing another job, school and family presents a challenge at times,” added Herman. “I truly appreciate the selflessness and dedication that I see in our Airmen here.”

As Herman’s chapter here comes to a close, he reflected on Grissom’s mission capabilities and the Airmen behind the scenes that made it to what it is today.

“Every time I stood before people I thanked them for there service and what they do, and I appreciate the selflessness and since of service that our Airmen have here,” said Herman. “Thank you for that, and thank you for defending our freedom and defending our nation.”

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer