Commander inducted as Honorary Chief

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Brian Jones
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The Incirlik Chief's Group added another member June 20 during an induction ceremony at the Consolidated Club. The honoree, however, had never before worn an Air Force chevron.

Col. "Tip" Stinnette, 39th Air Base Wing commander, became the first Honorary Chief to be inducted into the Incirlik Chief's Group in recent history.

"A lot of people were coming up to us (the Incirlik Chiefs) asking, 'What's this honorary chief thing all about? Is it like a going away present? Is it automatic for those outgoing commanders? 'Certainly not,'" said Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Antwine, 39th ABW command chief master sergeant. "When we get together to discuss honorary chief candidates, we look hard and discuss at length what the member has contributed to our enlisted corps and whether they represent the enlisted corps with the same passion as the rest of the Chiefs. Our discussion concerning Colonel Stinnette was very short and unanimous; he is one of us, we all look up to his leadership and the way he has embraced the enlisted force and considered it an honor to have him as a fellow chief in our Air Force."

According to Chief Antwine, Colonel Stinnette embodied everything a chief master sergeant should be during his tenure as Team Incirlik's commander.

"As chiefs, it's our responsibility to care for, mentor and develop the enlisted corps. That's nearly our sole purpose in life. It's no different with Colonel Stinnette," said Chief Antwine. "I could be here all day talking about what he's done for the enlisted corps. There hasn't been one ALS class, FTAC class, AMN/NCO/SNCO Professional Enhancement seminar, newcomers briefing - you name it - that he hasn't gone and talked to. He makes the time for everyone and he really listens; then he follows up with action. He encourages and empowers our enlisted Airmen to accomplish great things for Team Incirlik and our Air Force. This is evident in the numerous outstanding inspection results and the numerous MAJCOM and higher level awards Team Incirlik received during his tenure in command."

During the induction ceremony, the command chief pointed out that Colonel Stinnette is not at all fond of personal recognition, but rather would deflect any acclaim to the Airmen of the wing.

"He's probably hating life right now. Colonel Stinnette doesn't like recognition. He doesn't like to take credit for anything," said the command chief. "But, just look around. All of us have been touched by his leadership. There's no secret to the success of this wing. It doesn't happen by mistake."

After lighting a candle signifying his induction as an honorary chief, Colonel Stinnette admitted the ceremony was a little tough to handle.

"This was hard," said the honorary chief. "It's my proudest moment. I stand before you a very, very humbled Airman - and I thank you."