Questions and answers with USAFE command chief

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos
  • 39th Air Base Wing public affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Chief Master Sgt. Pamela S. Derrow is the United States in Europe Command Chief Master Sergeant, stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Chief Derrow recently visited Team Incirlik to honor Airmen at the annual awards ceremony and meet with team members from across the wing.

I had the privilege to sit down with the chief and discuss issues pertinent to the wing and to the Air Force in general. Here is what she had to say:

- You've been in the Air Force for 29 years, what has been the driving force for your retention?

"I've been driven by a desire to serve my country, to be part of something different. This is a noble cause, a cause and a purpose that is bigger than me. I can't think of a profession I'd be happier in. The pay and benefits have always been important, but for me, they've always been secondary to service and to being part of a great team of like-minded professionals."

- You came to Incirlik to speak at the annual award ceremony. Why do you feel that recognizing outstanding airmen is important in today's Air Force?

"All of us have a need to be recognized for our contributions. It's a universal human need that is timeless. Recognizing our Airmen for outstanding duty performance helps encourage the same as it gives positive feedback that hard work and commitment brings benefit and recognition. Recognizing our outstanding performers was important in yesterday's Air Force, it continues to be important today, and it'll be just as important in tomorrow's Air Force."

- Looking back at your time in the military, what is one thing that you know now that you wish you had known as a junior enlisted person?

"When I was a junior enlisted person, I wished I'd known how important it is to be a member of a military professional organization like the Air Force Sergeant's Association or the Air Force Association. AFSA, for example, works with our congressional leaders to ensure Airmen get the pay and benefits they deserve. Professional organizations also educate and inform congress and the public on how the Air Force projects its Air, Space and Cyberspace power to protect and defend national interests. In short, these organizations help get our voices heard."

- What would you tell Airmen who are deciding whether or not to re-enlist?

"I would encourage them to make an informed decision. That means weighing the pros and cons of military service versus work in the private sector. And it means asking oneself, "What is truly important to me?" If service to the country is important, if being part of a great team is important, if being part of an organization that believes in taking care of family members, then I would say that the decision is an easy one - stay in the Air Force."

- How do you feel the recent economic imbalance and President Obama's administration will affect military pay?

"It's hard to say what the exact affect will be - but I'm not discouraged or worried. What I do know is this: I trust that our Air Force leaders will continue to ensure we have what we need to fight today's war and face tomorrow's challenges. I know our leaders are committed to recruiting and retaining quality Airmen and that means ensuring that military life is an appealing option for young men and women."

- What changes do you hope to see in the Air Force 10 years from now?

"The Air Force has constantly changed and evolved to meet new challenges since the first day I enlisted. As for the next 10 years, I can already see our leaders building a strong foundation for needed changes, and those changes are for the better. We're getting back to basics; we're more determined to achieve savings and economies in how we do business, which is to fly, fight and win! Ten years from now, I'm sure we'll see the full fruition of today's initiatives and changes, both from a mission perspective and from a people perspective. Our Air Force has a very bright future!"

- What do you hope will remain the same?

"As professional Airmen, I hope and believe we'll always base our actions and behavior on our core values, which are "Integrity First," "Service Before Self," and "Excellence in All We Do." These values are more than words; they define how we act and behave, how we serve our country and how we treat our fellow Airmen. These core values remind us of who we are."

- The Air Force mission statement has changed many times, but our core values have remained the same. Why do you think that is?

"Missions change along with the changing environment, but our core values are the defining elements of our character and are eternal. The words may change over time, but what they represent never will. I firmly believe that."

- What is your advice for young Airmen who aspire to be a command chief?

"Be an Airman first. Focus on the job at hand and perform it to the best of your ability. If your ability falls short, fix it. If your attitude falls short, get with your wingman and mentor for redirection. The primary and foremost goal, as a professional Airman, is to get the mission accomplished. If your goal is to become a command chief, then ensure your goal is met with determination and hard work. If you do that, you'll be well on your way."