So Ya Wanna Be THE Chief?!

This is part two of a discussion with Senior Enlisted Leader of the Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA), CMSgt CJ Johnson, who shares her thoughts on the qualities of a good Chief and the experiences of female and Hispanic leaders in the Air Force. A Mexican-born American from Brownsville, Texas, she discusses the importance of confidence, competence, and a leadership philosophy based on being strong, humble, and a positive light for others. She talks about the unique camaraderie among chiefs, the challenges of balancing work and family, and the role of mentorship in their careers. 

Senior Enlisted Leader of the Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA), CMSgt CJ Johnson shares her thoughts on the qualities of a good Chief and the experiences of female and Hispanic leaders in the Air Force. A Mexican-born American from Brownsville, Texas, she discusses the importance of confidence, competence, and a leadership philosophy based on being strong, humble, and a positive light for others. She talks about the unique camaraderie among chiefs, the challenges of balancing work and family, and the role of mentorship in their careers. 

Chief Bob Vásquez hosts Retired Chief Joey Meininger as the focus on the transition from military to civilian life. Chief Meininger describes his 20-year career as a firefighter and his role as a Command Chief. He explains his current work as a financial advisor in Jacksonville, Florida, and how he helps others with long-term planning. They discuss a LinkedIn post Chief Meininger wrote about the small, often forgotten parts of transition, such as flu shots and the habit of PCSing, and where he emphasized the importance of mental preparation for retirement and the loss of identity and credibility that comes with leaving the uniform. The conversation concludes with both men reflecting on the value of servant leadership and the importance of supporting others through the transition process. 

Newly promoted Chief Master Sergeant, Blake Talley, at McConnell Air Force Base, discusses three of his nine promises he made to his unit. They include communicating openly and transparently with the "three T's" of timing, tone, and temperature; remaining flexible where it serves the mission while holding firm on non-negotiables like integrity and professionalism; and looking for talent where others may only see potential. Chief Vásquez challenges Chief Talley to practice these principles over the next month and assess his progress, suggesting they could do a follow-up interview to discuss the results. 

Chief Vásquez and Chief Al Thompson focus his career transition from the Air Force to teaching Junior ROTC to his current role as a regional director for the program. Al shares his experiences and the impact of working with young students, emphasizing the importance of integrity, servant leadership, and modeling behavior as key qualities of a good chief. They discuss the requirements and benefits of becoming a JROTC instructor, including pay structure and eligibility, and the program's focus on building citizenship and character rather than military recruitment. 

Dr. Joe Sanders is a leadership development expert, speaker, author, and mentor with a deep passion for developing leaders of character. A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, he formerly served as Director of the Center for Character and Leadership Development at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He was the Squadron Commander of the 320th Training Squadron at Lackland AFB, TX, as well as Commander of the 64th Expeditionary Support Squadron in Saudi Arabia. His father is a retired USAF Senior Master Sergeant, and his mother keeps everyone in line.

Dr Sanders is the author of Unreasonable Responsibility, a powerful call for leaders to embrace their influence and make meaningful impact. He currently serves as CEO of Colorado UpLift, teaches as an adjunct professor at UCCS, and is the founder of Touchstone Leadership Academy, equipping leaders in underserved communities. His motto is “I serve so that others may lead.” 

CMSgt Kimbell is the Senior Enlisted Leader at the 423d Security Forces Squadron, RAF Alconbury, United Kingdom. He leads 139 personnel performing security operations for 4,900 personnel across four United Kingdom installations. 

CMSgt Kimbell was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and entered the Air Force on 24 August 2004. He served as a Security Forces member until 2023, when he was selected for a special duty as an Instructor for the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy. 

HE LOVES HIS FAMILY!

Chief and  JR Lyda, a retired command chief, conduct a wide-ranging conversation about military culture and leadership, particularly focusing on how foundational principles have evolved over time. JR shares his 30-year military career and current work with McDonald's, emphasizing how military members receive unique education and leadership development from day one that differs from corporate training. Both reflect on changes in military culture and the importance of maintaining foundational leadership principles despite organizational changes. They agree that while military traditions and protocols continue to evolve, the core values of teamwork, respect, and leadership development remain essential.

t Col Shawn “Happy” Green is an officer in the United States Space Force. He graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 2007. Originally from Valatie, New York, he graduated from Ichabod Crane High School in 2002. One of Chief Bob Vásquez’ most favorite protégés, he has commanded twice: as a deployed squadron commander for the 17th Expeditionary Space Control Squadron, and as the 527th Space Aggressor Squadron to train US, joint, and allied space forces to fight through a contested environment against a thinking adversary. Happy is a perpetual optimist and passionate leader who believes that as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Lt Col Green first met Chief Vásquez on the Academy terrazzo as a fourth-class cadet and considers him a trusted advisor, mentor, lifelong friend, ruggedly handsome battle buddy, and big brother in leadership.

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Brown is the

Commander, 318th Recruiting Squadron,

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. As the commander, he

leads a highly skilled team of 79 recruiters and support

personnel tasked with inspiring, engaging, and recruiting

health professions and line officers from a 1.2 million

square mile area of responsibility encompassing 21

Northeastern states, the District of Columbia, and

Europe.

Lt Col Brown received his commission in 2009 through

ROTC at Norwich University. As an Intelligence Officer,

he has served in various analysis and leadership roles

within the career field. He has also served as permanent

party at the US Air Force Academy. Prior to Command

tour, Lt Col Brown was the Chief of the East Europe

Branch, International Affairs Division at US Air Forces

Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.