Finance program brings retired Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force to Pittsburgh

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Hehnly
  • 911th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS --  The 8th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force paid a visit to the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station in support of the 911th Finance shop's Airman-development project, during the March Unit Training Assembly.

Retired CMSAF Sam E. Parish made the decision to come to the 911th Airlift Wing after being contacted by 911th Finance members as part of a team project designed to support the growth and mentorship of the shop's Airmen, as well as teach and instill some Air Force history.

"Originally the team members were assigned a Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force to create a biography for and reach out to make contact with," said Chief Master Sgt. Brian Zator, Chief of Financial Management.

After going through the proper channels over the past year, the project was pushed to the former CMSAF's. Chief Parish, the CMSAF from 1983 to 1986, called Chief Zator agreeing to meet the Airmen face-to-face and answer their questions.

The 16-member finance team had the opportunity to hold a round-table discussion with the former CMSAF, March 3, 2012. Staff Sgt. Joshua Rager led the discussion, asking Chief Parish about his time as the CMSAF, his greatest accomplishments, his leadership style, and his overall military experience with almost 32 years of active duty service.

"I'm glad to see what you're doing here," said Chief Parish. "Mentorship is all about developing Airman, it means sharing knowledge."

The retired chief said, sharing what was successful for him, may not be the same for everyone though. He made note to the Airmen not to emulate great leaders but to take from their styles and make it their own.

"I admire you for starting this program and picking the brains of former Chief Master Sergeant's.," said Chief Parish to finance's senior leadership.

The mentorship team project that was started approximately a year and a half ago, by Finance's senior leadership with the reading of two motivational books, has evolved into a project that will provide the opportunity for Airman to interact with and ask questions of former CMSAF into the future.

During his time in Pittsburgh, the retired chief also shared his knowledge with the development and training flight and was the guest speaker at the 911th Airlift Wing 2012 Annual Awards Banquet.

"I enjoyed what I was doing in the Air Force and the people I was working with," said Chief Parish. "If you look at your job as fun, and not as a chore you will be successful no matter where you are. It doesn't matter what your job is; you should always be the best you can be."