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FLIGHT BRIEF SEPT.2016

Command Chief Master Sgt. Roy Patterson retires after nearly 40 years of service.

165th COMMAND CHIEF LEAVES A LEGACY OF SERVICE

The Airlift Chronicle is an Air Force funded monthly digital newsletter. This is an authorized publication for the members of the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard. Contents of this newsletter are not the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the National Guard Bureau or the Adjutant General of Georgia. The editorial content is provided by the 165th Public Affairs Office.

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ON THE COVERNew 165th Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Rodney Jenkins takes a ceremonial oath after assuming authority during a Change of Authority ceremony September 10, 2016. (Photo by Senior Airman Jamila Haven)

CHIEF JENKINS NEW 165TH AW COMMAND CHIEF

When Chief Master Sgt. Roy Patterson earned sea legs in the Navy more than three decades ago, he had already began charting a plan for a lengthy military career.

Despite early ambitions, little did he suspect it would end almost 40 years later as an U.S. Air National Guard Command Chief.

Patterson’s storied military career culminated before many 165th Airlift Wing service members, friends, family and distinguished guests at a change of authority ceremony held Sept. 10, 2016.

During a celebration of dedicated service and poignant leadership, service members bid farewell to the enlisted force’s top advocate and heartbeat of the wing.

Since joining Georgia’s Air National Guard in 1983, Patterson has held numerous leadership positions in the 165th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron before becoming selected as command chief in June 2013.

“Coming to work and loving my job is what kept me going,” he said. “I was never bored. I always enjoyed coming to work because you never know what’s going to hit you.”

As he ascended the ranks, a guiding principle to bear, a strong work ethic and positive attitude aided in his professional success and paid dividends throughout his career, he said.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY: STAFF SGT. CHELSEA SMITH165TH COMMAND CHIEF LEAVES STORIED LEGACY

Command Chief Master Sgt. Roy Patterson address the audience during the Change of Authority September 10, 2016.

The audience applauses during the end of Chief Patterson’s speech during the Change of Authority ceremony.

Photo illustration by Staff Sgt. Tenelle Brown

“It may be cliché, but I’ve always been taught to give 100 percent,” he said. “If you’re a member of the wing, be a member of the wing. Give the person who’s paying you a good product.”

Distilling a brand of leadership based on these principles has helped the wing and its members flourish. Under his responsibility, the wing was recognized as a United States Air Force Outstanding Unit twice - an honor which makes it a premier C-130 flying unit.

Additionally while command chief, he established an in-person interview selection process for Airman, Non-commissioned Officer and Senior NCO of the year programs, revitalized enlisted training and profession development programs, and launched base organizations such as the First Four Group for junior enlisted Airmen and the 165th AW Veterans Association, among other accomplishments.

“His affable character, improvement of processes and steadfast approach to leadership has significantly boosted morale and welfare, and contributed to the wing’s success,” said Col. Rainer Gomez, 165th AW commander.

As the base moves forward in its warfighting missions, Patterson’s successor, Chief Master Sgt. Rodney Jenkins, carries the torch with 28 years of experience behind him and a clarion call to build upon his predecessors’ success.

“I have full confidence in his vision for the wing,” Patterson said. “I hope he performs better than me.”

As Patterson moves forward into retirement, he said he plans to add college graduate to his list of accolades when he returns to school to pursue a degree in Historical Preservation and Restoration.

He approaches his future assignment as a student with the same principles he’s carried throughout his career: have a plan, work hard and lead with courage, he said.

Airmen of the 165th Airlift Wing welcomed a new Command Chief during a Change of Authority ceremony Sept. 10, 2016 in Savannah, Ga.

165th Airlift Wing commander Col. Rainer G. Gomez presided over the ceremony as Chief Master Sgt. Rodney Jenkins accepted authority from Command Chief Master Sgt. Roy Patterson.

Jenkins enlisted in the Georgia Air National Guard in 1988 and began his career as a Personnel Specialist assigned to the 165th Mission Support Squadron.

“It is a privilege and honor to replace Chief Patterson as the Command Chief for the 165th AW. I hope to continue on his traditions of developing the training and supervision of enlisted members,” said Jenkins.

165th AW Welcomes New Command Chief

Chief Patterson passes the sword to Col. Rainer Gomez, Sep. 10, 2016.

Senior Master Sgt. Renee Jenkins presents Command Chief Rodney Jenkins with the Buffalo Soldier, a family tradition for every promotion and significant career milestone.

WINGMAN DAY

WINNING LOGO DESIGN

Staff Sgt. Charlene Ferrari’s logo was chosen in the design contest for the 165th Airlift Wing 70th Anniversary. The contest panel consisted of five judges and each design was judged anonymously.

70TH ANNIVERSARY GOLF TOURNAMENT

The event will be held September 30, 2016 at Savannah Harbor on Hutchinson Island. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with shotgun start at 1 p.m. The cost for this event is only $70. This price includes, 18 holes of golf, riding cart, lunch, dinner and awards. Lunch will be served as you sign in and dinner will be served after the round. For your convenience, you my use the following site to pay for your round.

https://165awveteransassoc.webconnex.com/Fall2016

COST: $70 PER PLAYER

REGISTRATION: 11:30

2 RESORT DRIVESAVANNAH, GA 31421(912) 201-2240

ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THE 165TH AW VETERANS ASSOCIATION TO HELP FUND THE WING CHRISTMAS PARTY

16.13. Rules of the Mess. The following outlines rules under which the mess is conducted. They are designed to conform to tradition and promote levity. Violators of these rules are subject to the wrath and mischievousness of mister/madam vice. All assigned penalties are carried out before the membership.

16.13.1. Thou shalt arrive within 10 minutes of the appointed hour.

16.13.2. Thou shalt make every effort to meet all guests.

16.13.3. Thou shalt move to the mess when thee hears the chimes and remain standing until seated by the president.

16.13.4. Thou shalt not bring cocktails or lighted smoking material into the mess.

16.13.5. Thou shalt not leave the mess whilst convened. Military protocol overrides all calls of nature.

16.13.6. Thou shalt participate in all toasts unless thyself or thy group is honored with a toast.

AT SAVANNAH HARBOR