CMSgt Marion becomes new CCC

During the week he works unassumingly, donning civilian attire working behind the scenes as a labor relations officer in civilian personnel. But during the weekend of unit training assemblies, he sits in a different seat, donning the tenth enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force – complete with a star in between eight chevrons.

Chief Master Sgt. Wes Marion was recently named 434th Air Refueling Wing command chief, after being selected by Col. Larry Shaw, 434th ARW commander.

“I’m thrilled, excited and extremely humbled that Colonel Shaw picked me to be his command chief,” Marion said. “I have a lot invested here – I care about the people, I care about the mission. This place has been a huge part of my for a very long time and I never would have dreamed that I would be sitting in this seat.”

A native of Buffalo, Indiana, Marion’s Air Force career began nearly 30 years ago when he enlisted in the regular Air Force as a supply [logistics] Airman. Since then, his time-in-service has spanned across three Air Force specialties, including civil engineering and paralegal, civil service, active-Guard-Reserve and inactive ready Reserve.

“This really is a homecoming for me,” Marion said. “Grissom is where I came as a newcomer, straight out of active-duty. With the exception of about five years, I’ve been in the 434^th ARW for 24 years. To walk in the shoes of the great command chiefs we’ve had here is a great privilege.”

Prior to Marion’s return to Grissom, he served at Air Force Reserve Command, Robbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia, as the command paralegal manager from 2013 to 2016. Preceding that, he served as the 434th ARW law office superintendent from 2006 to 2013.

Soon after separating from active-duty, he received a bachelor’s degree in history/political science from Purdue University in 1995. He went on to receive a juris doctorate from Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington, Indiana, all whilst continuing to serve as a traditional Reservist.

“Military service has always been a very important part of my life,” he said. “My grandfather was a military police officer at Schofield Barracks [Hawaii] on Dec.7, 1941 when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.”

Marion said that, although he has had varying leadership roles before, as the new command chief he looks forward to new challenges and priorities.

“A big priority for me is to ensure people are aware – enlisted in particular – of the many educational and career developmental opportunities,” Marion sad. “To make sure that Airmen are aware of the opportunities to get to where they want to go while also continuing to serve in the Air Force and meet the mission of this wing – is key.”

“Another one of my top priorities is enforcing standards and maintaining good communication throughout the wing,” he added.

 As the command chief of the 434th ARW, Marion is the primary advisor to the commander on all enlisted issues including the health, welfare, morale, mission effectiveness and proper utilization of more than 1,400 men and women.

“With his diverse background and unique skill set, Chief Marion will be a tremendous asset to Grissom,” Shaw said. “His love of the base and the people who serve here resonates whenever he talks about Grissom.”

“Ten years from now, no one will remember that I was here [as the command chief],” Marion said. “But anytime I can help if even one Airman along the way through mentorship, no matter how small, then I can leave this position knowing I did my job right.”

To learn more about Marion, click here to view his biography.