Chief's retirement Q & A

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  • Team Eglin Public Affairs

The 96th Test Wing's Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Brian Creager retires this week.  As a final farewell, he answered some questions about his time at Eglin, career and life in the Air Force.

Q. What has been the highlight of your career (an overall and a specific?)

All of my highlights have included being part of a successful team, mission, or accomplishment.  I was assigned to Petroleum Oil and Lubricants at RAF Lakenheath and watched a group of motivated Airmen work toward a goal and take home the “Golden Drum Award” (Best Fuels Management Team in USAF-Europe).  I felt that same pride when Eglin competed for the Commander-in-Chief Installation Excellence Award.  All tenant and host wing service members came together for a common goal and we absolutely blew it out of the water.  The inspectors who were all wing commanders of other installations were completely amazed at the amount of activity, pride, and mission impact that the men and women of all services, including civil service and contract personnel have on the defense of our nation.  

Q. Tell us about the moment you found out you were going to make chief?

It took me a few attempts to make technical sergeant, but master and senior master sergeant were achieved very quickly so I thought chief would take a few years.  Despite that belief, I studied hard and did my part.  During the release, I invited my wife to share the moment.  We closed the office door and hit the “refresh” button.  The promotion list popped up and I didn’t see my name, so I said something like “try again next year”. 

Jeananne looked at me strangely with tears in her eyes and asked if I was crazy.  Somehow I missed my name on that list.  Making Chief was one of the most humbling experiences ever, but I also committed to working hard every day to make things better for my people.  You can never forget where you came from or the fact somebody helped get you to where you are.     

Q. Why did you join the Air Force?

The reason I stayed is much different than why I joined.  I joined because I wanted to “escape” the small town.  I wanted to be part of something bigger than “me” and contribute to the nation.  I stayed, because I enjoy working around professionals who care about what they do and want to make a difference.  Walking away from them and the defense of my country just didn’t seem like something I wanted to do.  Some days were harder than others, but I enjoyed what I was doing and didn’t feel the need or desire for anything else.

Q. What goals did you have when you joined the Air Force and how did it compare to everything you achieved/experienced?

When I was young, master sergeant was a goal and command chief master sergeant was never a thought, but good people and supervisors pushed me to work hard, earn my degrees, and get promoted.  I am amazed and filled with pride each time I look in the mirror and see that uniform, but I never forget it was others who helped get me here. 

Q. What will you miss most about the Air Force?

The people and comradery!  They are absolutely amazing and I find it hard to fathom ever being part of an organization like this again.  Despite what you read in the blogs, social media or the tabloids… people care.  The majority of supervisors and commanders want the best for and from their people and we all want to be part of something bigger than ourselves.       

Q. What does the AF do great? What could they do better?

Take care of each other, almost to a fault at times, but you will NOT find another organization that invests so much time, money, and manpower in the people. 

Communication – communication is one of the hardest things we do and supervisors must never forget that.  It takes effort to ensure people know what is going on around them.  Without information, people tend to fill the void with info that may not be completely accurate.

I love the CSAF’s initiative to strengthen the squadron.  It needs some work, but the people on the ground are what will make it a success.  Airmen need to take control and responsibility for making the unit better.  Over the years, I rarely worried about big AF policy.  My best assignments were because of the people I was with and the influence we had on our own small circle.  We worked hard to control and influence what we could and make our lives better.   

Q.  Describe the differences and similarities of leading as a staff sergeant and as a command chief?

A staff sergeant has much more direct influence on people than a command chief.  I get a few precious minutes with many, many people.  The front line is able to spend valuable time with a few and truly get to know them and their families.  That is where a difference is truly made. 

Q. Who or what motivated you to go above and beyond during your career? Explain an example of a person or event that kept you motivated all these years.

It takes a village, right?  I can name many people from the years, but all of them were supervisors who set the standard, held people accountable, made hard, but the best decisions they could with the info they had, and more importantly invested time to get to know me and my family.  I worked hardest for the people I felt cared about me and had my best interest(s) in mind.  Ironically, those were also the same people who were not afraid to put a boot in the rear when appropriate. 

Q. What's been the highlight of your time at Eglin and why?

Seeing the many missions conducted here and meeting so many dedicated people, many who are willing to (and do) give the ultimate sacrifice.  It is difficult to see with everything going on behind the lab walls and on the ranges, but we all have an impact.   

Q. What are your plans for retirement?

This is a wonderful area with great people, schools, and opportunities so Jeananne and I are staying local and want to continue to contribute to the community.  I will be looking for a local position, but I do plan to spend a few weeks of terminal leave with family.  I have fallen behind in my pursuit for “Father of the Year” and I intend to do a better job with that over the summer. 

Q. Any last words for Eglin and the AF?

Never forget the bigger picture and why you are here.  It is easy to get wrapped up in negativity of social media and 24-hour news networks.  The military or civil service life is not for everyone, but make the most of it while you are here.  Our job is to protect each other and protect America.  That is getting more difficult and WE have a job to do.  Finally, no U.S. troop has been killed in an enemy aircraft attack since 15 April, 1953.  As the father of an infantry officer, as an Airman and as an American, I expect you to continue to do your part to ensure we maintain that record. 

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with each of you.