Wing visited by retired command chief

Published March 14, 2013
By Staff Sgts. Heather Davis and Dina Farmer
162nd Fight Wing Public Affairs

Tucson, Ariz. -- Retired Command Chief Master Sgt. Richard Smith, 9th Command Chief of the Air National Guard, visited the 162nd Fighter wing here, March 9 to speak with enlisted leadership about the sequestration and its effects on wing personnel.

Chief Master Sgt. Gilbert Quiroz, a member of the 162nd Communications Flight, attended the meeting and found it very insightful.

"His knowledge of the current situation with what we face as a military organization is impressive," said Quiroz.

Smith sees the challenges we face and voices his concern to force change in situations, like the upcoming furloughs, said Quiroz. He has also concerned himself with protecting the benefits his generation fought to secure like Tricare, SGLI, the base Exchange and the commissary, said Quiroz.

Smith was joined by Command Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Irving, Command Chief for the state of Arizona. They met with the chief master sergeants and first sergeants of the 162nd to discuss how sequestration would affect the wing's technicians and mission. Although he has retired, Smith's loyalty and dedication to the Air National Guard is evident, said Quiroz.

"We are fortunate to have him in our corner, not only as a wing, but as a voice for the Air National Guard," said Quiroz. "It is encouraging to know there is someone out there that has our interest at heart," said Quiroz.

Smith and Irving were in Tucson for the Outstanding Airmen of the Year ceremony where Smith was a guest speaker.