CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. - It was a rather unique sight for airmen as they entered the Pecos Trial Dining Facility where they were greeted and served lunch by group and squadron chiefs at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Oct. 26.

More than a handful of chief master sergeants put on their airman Battle Uniform hats and food-handling gloves to happily serve fellow enlisted troops and foster a more casual rapport.

“This is really an opportunity for us to get out around base and get some face-to-face time with our younger Airmen,” said Chief Master Sgt. Tracy Goodwin, 27th Special Operations Force Support Squadron superintendent. “This is our chance, as chiefs, to show the more human element of ourselves in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.”

The sentiment was not lost on Airman 1st Class Shanise Trejo, 551st Special Operations Squadron sensor operator, who was called out of the meal line by Goodwin for a special happy birthday song from all chiefs present.

“This is beyond fun for us,” said Chief Master Sgt. Lyn Harshman, 27th Special Operations Mission Support Group superintendent. “Hopefully, with all us chiefs getting our names and faces out to our Airmen, they won’t be afraid to approach us should they ever need to. We want everyone to feel comfortable coming to their chiefs with issues, concerns or ideas, without fearing the rank.”

Harshman expressed interest the chief’s share in getting out around the installation to build up confidence Airman should feel in their highest enlisted.

“We are looking for more chances to be seen and recognized around the base, so don’t be caught off guard when things like chiefs serving you lunch happen,” Harshman added. “Who knows, you might catch a group of chiefs checking I.D. cards at the front gate sometime.”

Connected Media