Newly Created Award Honors 403rd Chief

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Michael Duhe
  • 403rd Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. --  During March's Unit Training Assembly, Chief Master Sgt. Charles Gaffney, 403rd Avionics Flight chief, was recognized at commander's call in a unique way - he received an award named in his honor.

"We created the Chief Master Sgt. Charles R. Gaffney, Jr. Award because of the hard work and dedication he has given to this wing," explained Col. Kerry Kohler, 403rd Maintenance Group commander.

Maj. Gen. James Rubeor, 22nd Air Force commander, presented the award to Chief Gaffney as hundreds of fellow Airmen looked on.
The chief seemed genuinely surprised by the award, which was kept secret until the March UTA.

"It's very flattering...I'm flabbergasted," Chief Gaffney said. "It's a great honor."

Chief Gaffney has been a member of the 403rd Wing for 30 years. While his contributions to the wing are numerous, General Rubeor specifically mentioned the chief's role in spearheading the effort to obtain higher pay rates for 403rd Wing Air Reserve Technicians. Chief Gaffney put together a package proposing pay scales on par with other Reserve units. The package was submitted to 22nd Air Force and was ultimately approved last year.

General Rubeor commended Chief Gaffney for this achievement, adding, "Persistence is a virtue."

The award will be given annually to 403rd Wing members who exemplify Air Force core values. The inscription on the plaque Chief Gaffney received at commander's call reads, "For his selfless dedication to the 403rd Wing, Chief Gaffney volunteered countless hours to improve the quality life for Airmen despite his own personal hardships. Chief Gaffney sets the standard for the Air Force Core Values."

Brig. Gen. James Muscatell, 403rd Wing commander, said, "When I made general, I had a coin designed that I wanted to hand out because I wanted to give back to the people who helped get me promoted. On the coin, it says 'Lead with passion, not position.' If there's anybody who lives and breathes that every day, it's Chief Gaffney, because he is so passionate about what he does."

General Muscatell then presented Chief Gaffney with the coin.

Chief Gaffney said that what motivates him to help other Airmen is "everything that we do here, and those who taught me and came before me. I had great teachers and trainers. One person can make a difference."