Fifth CMSAF imparts wisdom to workshop attendees

  • Published
  • By Sarah Baine
  • AFCEE Public Affairs
SAN ANTONIO --  The fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force was the featured speaker at the 2011 Air Force Restoration and Technology Transfer Workshop luncheon held at the Omni Hotel here March 10.

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Robert Gaylor addressed more than 300 attendees, communicating a vital message of ownership, accountability, responsibility and pride.

In September 1948, at the age of 17, Chief Gaylor entered the Air Force and was assigned to the security police career field at Waco Air Force Base, Texas.

Some 30 years later, the chief had reached the Air Force's highest enlisted position, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, where he served from 1977 - 1979 providing guidance to the entire enlisted corps and championing their causes to senior leaders and the American public.

Throughout his speech to RTTW attendees, Chief Gaylor shared stories from not only his time in the Air Force but also his years since retirement.

One story he shared was about a hot Texas summer day when he was working up a sweat in his yard. His neighbor stopped and asked him why he was in his yard working every time he drove by.

"Because my name is on the mailbox," Chief Gaylor said.

Those words should carry over into other areas of life, the chief said.

"When your name is on the mailbox, you take pride and know it's important," Chief Gaylor said. "Have accountability not only for your work but your city, workplace and home. Take ownership in everything you do. If your name is not on the mailbox, you are less likely to be motivated."

The chief shared another story about a time he stopped at a small hamburger stand on a street corner in Laredo.

As he was enjoying his burger, he saw an 11-year-old boy take off down the street sprinting at full speed to deliver an order of hamburgers and fries. As the boy went flying down the street, Chief Gaylor said he thought, "What impressive motivation."

When the boy returned to the stand, still sprinting, Chief Gaylor asked him, "Why do you run so fast?" The boy's answer, he said, was priceless. "Because people like hot french fries."

As attendees laughed about the young boy's honest answer, Chief Gaylor challenged them to think about the services they deliver.

"When people receive your products and services, what is their reaction? Are you providing hot fries?" he asked.

Chief Gaylor concluded by reminding attendees that they are doing important work not only for the Air Force but also for our environment.

"Are your fries hot and is your name on the mailbox?" he asked. "Do an internal review of your products and services, ensure your heart, soul and name are on it."