New star shines in command at Cannon

Staff Sgt. Craig Seals

There is a new star on Cannon Air Force Base and Chief Master Sgt. Ray Clark received that star when he assumed the duties of the 27th Fighter Wing command chief in a ceremony Jan. 11 at the base theater.

Taking the reins from former command chief James Randall, who retired, Chief Clark has made a smooth transition into his new role.

“[Chief Randall] gave me opportunities to stand in for him on numerous occasions and those events gave me a good idea of what was in store and some expectations of the job,” Chief Clark said.

This transition allowed Chief Clark time to think about his own expectations and priorities as the new command chief.

“I know that I now represent all enlisted personnel in the wing, so it’s important that I find ways to give them equal time. It’s a difficult task but one I think is attainable. The best way to do that is by getting out from behind my desk and visit as many work centers or sections of each group as I can during a week,” the chief said.

The primary function of a command chief is to meet and listen to the concerns of enlisted troops and work those concerns, said Chief Clark.

Just meeting the people isn’t enough however. “It’s also important for me to maintain a close and personal involvement in enlisted professional development, the numerous focus groups and advisory councils on base and quality of life initiatives, particularly those affecting enlisted personnel,” Chief Clark said.

Chief Clark is particularly concerned with Cannon’s Middle Tier Council.

“The Middle Tier Council has great potential to be the largest organization in the wing with over 1,200 staff sergeants and technical sergeants assigned. However, they continue to struggle to find an identity. I challenge all junior noncommissioned officers in the wing to find a way for your voice to be heard,” said Chief Clark.

The chief also has an idea for a command chief shadow program where an enlisted troop follows him during a normal duty day and vice versa.

Before his tenure as command chief ends, however, Chief Clark desires to make good programs even better. “Chief Randall left me with some of the best enlisted programs in the Air Force. My mandate is to make them better during my tenure,” Chief Clark said.

To improve upon the position, Chief Clark will call on all his supervisory and leadership abilities gained in a 26-year career.

Each position has increased Chief Clark’s breadth of service.

“I’ve deployed numerous times to various locations and completed two short tours in Southwest Asia. I feel I am fully aware of expeditionary issues and concerns. Concerns that are at the forefront of the minds of most of our Airmen these days,” Chief Clark said.

On the forefront of Chief Clark’s mind however, is his impression of Cannon’s enlisted force. “Cannon is blessed with some of the best Airmen in the Air Force. Just look at the numerous unit and individual awards this wing has received in recent memory. Over the past three years in particular, I’ve never seen anything like it in my 26 years of service,” said Chief Clark.

Chief Clark continues to be impressed by the pride, professionalism and devotion to duty that Cannon Airmen possess. Impressions aside, Chief Clark warns Airmen against resting on their laurels or settling for the status quo.

“You don’t become and stay the best wing in the Air Force by doing just what’s required or the minimum. The temptation after the month we’ve had is to sit back and relax, but I recommend a quick breather and then get back in the fight if you want to stay on top,” said Chief Clark.

And staying on top is what Chief Clark wants Cannon to do, which requires goals.

“No matter what you do in life, you should always set and maintain your goals high but attainable,” the chief said. “I know it’s always worked well for me over my career.”