Chief Master Sgt. McDowell retires after 33 years of service

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nathan Byrnes
  • 403rd Public Affairs

Chief Master Sgt. Sybil McDowell, 403rd Force Support Squadron superintendent, retirement ceremony was held June 2, 2018, in the Roberts building at Keesler Air Force Base. She serves as the top enlisted advisor to the commander for more than 70 Airmen assigned to the 403rd FSS, who provides peacetime and wartime mission readiness support to the 403rd Wing.

McDowell enlisted in the Air Force in 1985. She has served as a traditional reservist and Air Reserve Technician. Her background includes various duties as a personnelist and superintendent.

The ceremony was filled with family, friends and Airmen all there to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments that spanned over her career.

“She exemplified true leadership because she truly always cared about the Airmen first,” said Col. Edward Segura, 403rd Mission Support Group commander. “She would always tell me what I needed to hear. It probably wasn’t what I wanted to hear all the time, but definitely what I needed to and I thank her for that.”

Segura talked very highly of McDowell and how she made an impact on him.

“If I asked if we could do something she would break down what resources that would take to accomplish that and if she felt like it wasn’t feasible she would tell me,” said Segura. “That showed strong leadership because it is so much harder to say ‘No, we can’t do that’ versus saying ‘yes, we can do that’ and then walk out and put it on the shoulders of the Airmen to get it done.”

McDowell made sure to thank everyone for coming out and how grateful she was for everyone who had an impact on her. She also took the time to reflect on her career.

“I’ve had a great career, the journey wasn’t easy but it was a journey I’m glad I took,” said McDowell. “Where I’m am at today I can look back and truly say I’m very happy with how my career turned out.”

Before leaving she had a message to the Airmen on how to make the best out of your career.

“Just stay focused and you actually have to move around to achieve what you want in life,” said McDowell. “If you don’t move and take that chance of failing then you will never achieve the goals that you are trying to achieve. You have to take that leap.”