Command Chief retires, shares memories

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The following is a transcript of a Team Eglin Public Affairs interview session with Chief Master Sergeant Thomas Westermeyer May 23. The chief served as the Command Chief for the Air Armament Center and 96th Air Base Wing from May 2009 until retirement June 6.

Q. What has been the highlight of your career?

A. Family; finding the perfect woman, falling in love and taking her and the children around the world. I met my Diane at my first duty station 25 years ago and super huge thanks goes out to her, and daughters Rebecca Westermeyer and Natasha DiSalle. They were with me for all the moves and long hours.

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

A. I'll miss the teamwork. Friends will always remain but the teamwork and camaraderie cannot be replaced.

Q. What are your plans for retirement?

A. We are moving into the camper and I plan to wake up each morning to surfing or fishing. I'm taking time to relax while I look for a job in the local area and complete my last two classes for my bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
No other military community is as strong as this one here; no wonder people retire here. We are now permanent members of the community and will move closest to the water when we can.

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

A. I thought it was a mistake because I wasn't planning on it. My lieutenant called me up as said "congratulations" and it was totally unexpected. I didn't believe it until I saw it in writing.

Q. Why did you join the military/Air force?

A. I joined the Air Force because I wanted to see the world, see the things I read about in history books. My career took me to places like Iceland, Norway, Spain, Athens, Istanbul, Africa, the Pacific and South America.

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

A. There were three goals I was shooting for: see the world, do 20 years and retire as a master sergeant. I've exceeded all those goals and challenges by far.

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

A. The service does really well taking care of people. In 30 years I've seen so many changes made and better programs offered. What the Air Force could have done better is bring the F-35 here before I retired; I look forward to watching them reinvigorate the aging fleet of aircraft.

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.

A. My former team of co-workers, now friends, saw something in me and encouraged me to try for the Peacekeeper Challenge (a security forces tactical shooting competition) when I was stationed at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom during 1993. It was a defining moment of my career to get that opportunity from what others saw I could do and because of it, I took a complete 180-degree turn in my career. I was able to go beyond expectations in fitness because of the forward vision of then Lieutenant Jeff Thorborn, retired Master Sgt. Scott Ruecker, then Staff Sgt Rick Parsons (now chief) and retired Master Sgt. Rocky Blier. In my second year, I made it to the worldwide challenge and have continued to stay in shape.

The competition also prepared me in my success of graduating from Army Ranger School.  After earning the Tab, I learned how to not stress over the little things in life and most of all, Ranger School taught me that no matter how bad things seem to be, it is probably not really all that bad for it could always be worse"

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

A. The highlight of being at Eglin was the interaction with the all the Airmen I worked for and all the Airmen who worked for me. They're all great people that have had a positive impact on my life. I've worked directly with amazing commanders also, the absolute best.
Q. Any last words for Eglin and the AF?

A. Always expect the unexpected. Even if you think it won't happen, it might. Always be prepared and remain flexible for whatever comes your way.