Comptroller NCO reaches pinnacle of enlisted ranks

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  After 26 years of military service Senior Master Sgt. Stephen Gregory, 39th Comptroller Squadron, has been selected for promotion to join the one percent of the Air Force's highest enlisted rank.

After being laid off from his job as a machinist at age 20, Sergeant Gregory decided to join the military.

"I never thought I was military material," he said. "I had a four-year plan written down on paper; I was going to save my money and get out."

Sergeant Gregory said if he was not in the military he would like to be stock trader.

"I like the thought of turning one dollar into two," he said.

Since entering the Air Force, Sergeant Gregory has served in three career fields: administrator, postal clerk and, since 1998, as a financial non-commissioned officer.

"I wish I would have found this career field early on," said Sergeant Gregory. "Finance is something I would have liked to have done as an Airman. I love numbers."

Sergeant Gregory's love for numbers hasn't gone unnoticed by his fellow comptroller squadron personnel.

"I am very proud of Chief Master Sergeant-select Gregory," said Maj. Tabetha Clark, 39 CPTS commander. "It's a privilege having someone of his caliber on the team. His dedication, dependability, and passion for taking care of our people is a true testament to why he was selected for promotion to chief; the pinnacle of an Air Force enlisted member's career."

Sergeant Gregory has seen many technological advancements in his 26 year career.

"Technology has changed tremendously," said Sergeant Gregory. "When I was an Airman nobody had computers on their desk -- now some people have two."

Sergeant Gregory said there are aspects of military service he would like to see changed.

"I would definitely increase the amount of personnel we have," said Sergeant Gregory.

Sergeant Gregory said Service before self is the Air Force Core Value that best describes him.

"Taking care of the people is the most important job of a chief," said Sergeant Gregory.

According to Sergeant Gregory, any Airman who wants to achieve the rank of chief must never give up, stay focused, and study.

"Control the elements you can and study," said Sergeant Gregory. "Don't rely on good board scores."