HILL AIR FORCE BASE — Team Hill welcomed the newest chief master sergeants to the rank during a Chief Induction Ceremony held here at Hangar 37 June 5 at Hill Air Force Base.

Inductees, family members and guests gathered for the annual event that included a customary recognition followed by dinner, guest speakers, and a ceremony.

Inductees:

75th Air Base Wing

Chief Master Sgt. Brett Kemp, 649th Munitions Squadron

86th Fighter Weapons Squadron

Chief Master Sgt. Steven Edmonds, 86th Fighter Weapons Squadron

372nd Recruiting Group

Chief Master Sgt. Sean Pitts, 348th Recruiting Squadron

388th Fighter Wing

Chief Master Sgt. David Havel, 388th Logistics Support Squadron

Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas Grady, 388th Logistics Support Squadron

Chief Master Sgt. Arnold Munroe, 388th Maintenance Squadron

419th Fighter Wing

Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Bernard, 419th Maintenance Squadron

Chief Master Sgt. Steven Kooyman, 419th Security Forces Squadron

Chief Master Sgt. Brandon De Los Reyes, 67th Aerial Port Squadron

Chief Master Sgt. Heather Wokurka, 67th Aerial Port Squadron

Chief Master Sgt. Shane Rutledge, 419th Civil Engineer Squadron

Only 1 percent of the entire enlisted force will earn the rank of chief.

Chief master sergeants serve in the highest enlisted rank and hold strategic leadership positions and are charged with mentoring and developing junior enlisted personnel. They bring substantial operational and occupational experience as well as strong institutional skills to their organizations and assigned tasks.

Chief Master Sgt. Brett Kemp, 649th Munitions Squadron superintendent and inductee, said reaching the rank of chief master sergeant is a monumental milestone that provides more opportunities to serve his fellow Airmen.

“It’s a great feeling to be able lead our Airmen, even during difficult times, as we work together and help our sections, units, groups, and wings through change,” he said. “We have to continue to grow and have the tough conversations, speak up for the voiceless, and work harder each day to address the needs of our Air Force to make it and ourselves better.”