Chevrons

In this episode we speak to Air Force Master Sgt. Dominic Collis, a Security Operations Superintendent currently serving with the Space Force. We learn about his passion for serving, and explore his interesting perspective, gained from two decades of service in the Army, at a Navy-run joint base, a tour with NATO in Spain and now with the newest service branch, the Space Force.

This episode, we speak to Army National Guard Command Sergeant Major James Perrault, the Command Sergeant Major for the 151st Regional Support Group. He shares his advice and lessons learned from his 31 years of service.

This episode is different than our usual episode. We will take some time to review all eleven episodes that we published this year. We'll highlight the best advice and stories from each guest and talk about what we learned in 2024. Thank you to our listeners! If you have any topic or guest ideas that you'd like to see in the New Year, please reach out! We'd love to hear from you. As you continue to work to become the best version of yourself in the new year, we hope to provide advice, guidance and opportunities for self improvement. Let's make 2025 the year of growth. Happy New Year!

In this episode, we talk to two Chief Master Sergeants in the Air National Guard – Chief Keith Delgado and Chief Joseph Pitta. We discuss the importance of professional military education, and bettering yourself as you become the best version of yourself. The skills that you learn in these courses are critical to the development of our future leaders. We will hear from Chief Delgado, the senior enlisted leader for the 102nd Medical Group, and Chief Pitta, the Senior Enlisted Leader of the 267th Intelligence Squadron about their experience.

The holidays can trigger many emotions, including challenging ones. In this episode, we talk about how the best ways to handle the inevitable stress that comes with the upcoming holiday season - for both deployers overseas and service members at home. How do we best handle our emotions? How do we take control of our reactions? How do we navigate the common stressors and triggers that arise during this time? How do we stay resilient and take care of ourselves during this time? Erin Faye, Massachusetts Air National Guard Military and Family Readiness Program Manager, gives her personal and professional advice to answer all these questions! If you are feeling having difficulty managing your emotions and would like to seek help, there are several different resources available to you. Military One Source is a 24/7 resource that is always available to military members and their families for support. If you are thinking about harming yourself or would like emotional support, get immediate help by phone: call or text 988, or reach out to the crisis hotline at 988lifeline.org. If you like this episode, subscribe anywhere you listen to your podcasts! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chevrons.podcast/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558477243750

This will be a conversation about how, in the military, individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together under a shared purpose to contribute to something bigger than themselves and serve their nation. The contributions of immigrants who serve and swear allegiance to the nation are recognized and appreciated. So for a little background, non-U.S. citizens may be eligible to apply for naturalization, which is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by Congress, as defined by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. For many, joining the U.S. military offers a fast track to becoming a U.S. citizen. In this episode, Technical Sgt. Timothy Thorpe, a Massachusetts Air National Guard recruiter, and his recruit, Airman Daniel Olubodun will join us to talk about their experience. Airman Olubodun is native to Nigeria, was granted U.S. citizenship during Basic Military Training. For more information about U.S. Citizenship through military service, reach out to a local Air National Guard recruiter or Military One Source has some incredible resources for you to check out. Support is available to service members and their families who have questions about applying for citizenship. You may also call the USCIS toll-free Military Help Line: 877-247-4645.

National Guard Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony L. Whitehead joined us on an episode of the Chevrons Podcast to talk about his story and his perspective from decades of service and shares his advice for the enlisted force. SEA holds the highest enlisted level of leadership in the National Guard. SEA is the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau at the Pentagon in Washington D.C., serving as the Chief's principal military advisor on all enlisted matters affecting training, utilization, health of the force and enlisted professional development. Listen to the episode now, anywhere you stream your podcasts.

On this episode of Chevrons, we meet U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas Mannion. Mannion is an Intel Analyst with the 203rd Intelligence Squadron based at Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He is a four-time veteran of the Boston Marathon and has run marathons in New York and London. Running parallel to his passion for long distance running is his dedication for causes that help others. Along the way, he relies on the tools and techniques he uses in preparing for races and applies them in other areas of his life, both in and out of uniform. Listen to this episode anywhere you stream your podcasts! Follow along on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @chevrons.podcast!

Join us in welcoming our first U.S. Coast Guard Guest on the podcast, Air Station Cape Cod's Command Master Chief Jacob Linder. We talked to Linder, only two weeks before his retirement, about his 27 years of service and leadership advice for all enlisted members. We discuss the meaning of "deckplate leadership," methods of self-improvement, the importance of not being afraid to ask for help and more. Listen to this episode anywhere you stream your podcasts! Follow along on Facebook and Instagram @chevrons.podcast!

In this episode of Chevrons, we talk to Chief Master Sgt. Shane McGuire from the 102nd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group and Senior Master Sgt. Rachel Jacobs from the 102nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, about the importance of participation and being involved in something that contributes to a cause bigger than ourselves. We talk Top 3 Council, Rising 6, and explore a number of other opportunities that enlisted service members can take advantage of in giving back to the force.

In this episode, we welcome back Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Ryan Yi who previously appeared on the program to talk about Emotional Intelligence (Ep 027). In this Chevrons, Chaplain Yi talks about Happiness in the Workplace. Identifying where job satisfaction comes from, what drives it and ways to balance your work and personal life.

On this episode of Chevrons, Chief Sean "Sully" Sullivan, one of the creators of the podcast, bids farewell upon his retirement from the Air National Guard. We spend some time and talk about his career, the thoughts behind the creation of the Chevrons podcast and we even get to kick around some of the topics we've covered on the program.

In this episode of Chevrons we speak to Chief Master Sgt. Dan Ahaesy and Senior Master Sgt. Maria Escobar about mentorship - what it's all about, why it's important and their advice on how to be a good mentor, mentee and how best to seek out those who can help you find your way through life, your career and everything in between. They share with us some of the mentors they've had through the years. We also learn about some of the ways in which they have been promoting and facilitating mentorship at their wing! Chevrons Mentorship Mentoring Mentor Mentee Enlisted development

In this episode of Chevrons we speak to Chief Master Sgt. Michelle O'Keefe. Chief O'Keefe has been selected as the next Massachusetts Air National Guard Command Chief, a role that she is quite familiar with. We learn about her background in the ANG and get a preview of some of her goals in returning to the position she held just a few years ago.

In this episode of Chevrons we speak to Chief Master Sgt. Michelle O'Keefe. Chief O'Keefe has been selected as the next Massachusetts Air National Guard Command Chief, a role that she is quite familiar with. We learn about her background in the ANG and get a preview of some of her goals in returning to the position she held just a few years ago.

In this episode of Chevrons we speak to Chief Master Sgt. Michelle O'Keefe. Chief O'Keefe has been selected as the next Massachusetts Air National Guard Command Chief, a role that she is quite familiar with. We learn about her background in the ANG and get a preview of some of her goals in returning to the position she held just a few years ago.

In this episode we chat with the Air National Guard Command First Sergeant and Career Field Manager, Chief Master Sgt. Aaron Dent. Chief Dent imparts his knowledge and experience in the First Sergeant career field and shares his philosophy on the culture of today's Airman. Mentorship, empowerment and trusting in and relying on your fellow Airmen in today's total force.

We speak to Chief Master Sergeant Kimberly Pollard. Chief Pollard is the Chief of Air Force Enlisted Developmental Education at Headquarters Air Force at the Pentagon. The Chief shared her thoughts on why Enlisted Development is important, why Resiliency is key to a successful career and your personal life and a bit about her journey in the Air Force.

In this episode, we speak to a few First Sergeants and a wing Command Chief about everything there is to know about making a career as a ‘Shirt'. If you've ever thought about sewing on a diamond, this is the episode to listen to!

In this episode, we speak to Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Ryan Yi, and discuss the concept of Emotional Intelligence - why it matters, and how your grasp of it can help you recognize, understand and manage your emotions and influence the emotions of others; improving communications in your personal and professional relationships.

In this episode of Chevrons, we speak to four recent participants from the Technical Sergeants Involved and Mentoring Enlisted Airmen or (TIME) Workshop held at Hanscom Air Force Base. Technical Sergeants from several Air National Guard units throughout the Northeast as well as a handful of members of the Paraguayan Armed Forces participated. Attendees were guided by several Chief Master Sergeants and subject matter experts about how to develop their leadership skills. Discussions were led on topics such as empowerment, total force fitness, generational leadership, emotional intelligence and innovation. Our episode today is sort of a live “trip report” of the conference. What worked, what didn't. What were some of the lessons learned and why workshops like this are so valuable in the development of Airmen and NCO's at all levels.

In this episode of Chevrons, we speak to the three Command Chiefs of the Massachusetts Air National Guard. Chief Sean Sullivan from the Massachusetts Air National Guard, Chief Christopher Hirl of the 102nd Intelligence Wing, and Chief Stephen Jeffers of the 104th Fighter Wing join the panel to discuss the many enlisted development opportunities available in the Commonwealth. From next month's TIME conference, to the newly created FIRST program and other great opportunities - tune in for a great discussion about enlisted issues.

In this episode, the Chevrons staff is pleased to welcome Space Force Chief Master Sgt. Paul Norris for a discussion about culture in the service. The panel talks about how the Air Force's own cultural identity may have served as a starting off point for the Space Force, and in contrast, how much is different in the newest service, just over three years into its life. Our two co-hosts, Chief Master Sgt. Sean Sullivan and Tech. Sgt. Kevin Nunes, both have had significant stretches of time with the Army, so we also get some perspective from the land component as well.

In this episode we speak to Airman 1st Class Julia Ahaesy about the importance of resiliency. Ahaesy, a recent graduate of Basic Military Training and technical school, learned a plethora of good information in her role as an additional duty Resiliency Training Assistant while attending the Defense Information School. We also learn a little bit about Chevrons' newest co-host in the process.

In this episode we speak to a married military couple who share much more than the passion to serve. Master Sgt. Brad Townsend, group First Sergeant, and Master Sgt. Deborah Townsend, wing Human Resource Advisor, share their military story. From their early days of service, through their combined 28-year break in service, to the reasons for their return to the military and the success they have found since - we learn how much this power couple's drive and determination play in not only the future of their family, but also the impact they have in their organizations.

We speak to Tech Sgt. Aaron Hero and Staff Sgt. Michael Leavitt, two recent participants from the Massachusetts National Guard's Best Warrior Competition – a three-day event where Soldiers and Airmen are pitted against one another to see who is the most competent and effective in basic military tasks. A physically and mentally taxing event that pushes service members to their limits and challenges them to be the best they can be. Also joining the conversation is Tech. Sgt. David Manzo, a prior years' competitor who helped prepare these Airmen for “battle”.

In this special episode of Chevrons, we welcome a panel of prior enlisted commissioned officers to discuss enlisted commissioning; the process, the rewards and challenges of swapping stripes for collar brass. The company grade officers on the panel share their experiences with the process, and provide advice for enlisted personnel considering crossing over to the officer corps. Our guests include Air National Guard Captain Vincent Tripodi and 1st Lt. Allen Nancarrow, as well as United States Space Force 1st Lt. Colleen O'Hara.

We welcome the Senior Enlisted Leader of the Massachusetts National Guard, Command Sergeant Major James Campbell, into the studio to talk about the development, readiness and mentorship of the Soldiers and Airmen of the Massachusetts National Guard. Along the way, we learn a little about CSM Campbell's military story as well as how he ended up as the 9th state SEL. CHEVRONS – a podcast for the enlisted force. From junior enlisted, to senior leaders and those in between, we interview notable individuals to address everyday challenges and hurdles the enlisted force faces. New episodes arrive on the last Friday of each month! CHEVRONS on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mKTdhSAHuN9MBbp4GAbxW CHEVRONS on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chevrons/id1570686113 CHEVRONS on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZHZpZHNodWIubmV0L3Jzcy9wb2RjYXN0LzQ4NA

We welcome recently retired Master Sgt. Stephanie Harkins into the studio for a discussion about utilizing the military skill set in the civilian sector. How the enlisted experience prepares Airmen for successful careers, small business ownership and other challenges. What should someone focus on to bring the education, training and experience gained from the military and pivot those skills into life after the uniform (or for reservists, civilian life while serving)? CHEVRONS – a podcast for the enlisted force. From junior enlisted, to senior leaders and those in between, we interview notable individuals to address everyday challenges and hurdles the enlisted force faces. New episodes arrive on the last Friday of each month! CHEVRONS on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mKTdhSAHuN9MBbp4GAbxW CHEVRONS on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chevrons/id1570686113 CHEVRONS on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZHZpZHNodWIubmV0L3Jzcy9wb2RjYXN0LzQ4NA

Chief Master Sgt. Clinton Miller, National Guard Bureau J5/J53 SPP Senior Enlisted Leader, joins us in a discussion about the State Partnership Program. The National Guards of all 54 states and territories participate in the State Partnership Program, some partnering with more than one country. Chief Miller tells us all about the program - its history, benefits and how the enlisted force can contribute to the success of the program. CHEVRONS – a podcast for the enlisted force. From junior enlisted, to senior leaders and those in between, we interview notable individuals to address everyday challenges and hurdles the enlisted force faces. New episodes arrive on the last Friday of each month! CHEVRONS on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mKTdhSAHuN9MBbp4GAbxW CHEVRONS on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chevrons/id1570686113 CHEVRONS on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZHZpZHNodWIubmV0L3Jzcy9wb2RjYXN0LzQ4NA

On this episode of Chevrons we present a roundtable discussion that occurred on our other podcast, The Seagull. The conversation revolved around how we connect with one another, how we support each other and what we do to strengthen the culture here at our wing. It was a good conversation and we felt it important to share with you, our Chevrons audience - so stay tuned and have a listen - we'll be back again next month with more great guests!

Master Sgt. Keith Robbins, the plans and programs non-commissioned officer in charge at the 102nd Communications Flight, and Tech. Sgt. Jason Whittaker, the 102nd Intelligence Wing public affairs NCOIC, talk about stoicism and some takeaways for alternative points of views and good practices for personal and professional development. Listen to this episode and more by searching for ‘Chevrons' on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify.

Chief Master Sgt. Charles “Chuck” Powers, National Guard Bureau Legislative Liaison serving at The Pentagon, joins us in a discussion about balancing work and personal time, taking advantage of opportunities and the importance of mentorship. Chief Powers also talks about how he ended up in such a unique position, working in our nation's capital and how his role as Legislative Liaison impacts both the NGB and Air National Guard overall. CHEVRONS – a podcast for the enlisted force. From junior enlisted, to senior leaders and those in between, we interview notable individuals to address everyday challenges and hurdles the enlisted force faces. New episodes arrive on the last Friday of each month! CHEVRONS on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mKTdhSAHuN9MBbp4GAbxW CHEVRONS on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chevrons/id1570686113 CHEVRONS on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZHZpZHNodWIubmV0L3Jzcy9wb2RjYXN0LzQ4NA

On this month's episode of Chevrons, we mix the format up and have some of our outstanding junior enlisted Airmen take over the show. Senior Airman Joseph Chaves, Senior Airman Clifton Clark, Staff Sgt. Chandler Parker and Staff Sgt. Hannah Rajaniemi discuss their reasons for joining the Air National Guard and what would motivate them to stay in and re-enlist moving forward. It's a great episode you won't want to miss! Listen to this episode and more by searching for 'Chevrons' on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.

Chief Master Sgt. Denny Richardson, the Command Chief of the New York Air National Guard, and Tech. Sgt. Frederick Freeman, a recruiter at the 109th Airlift Wing, Scotia, New York, talked about adapting and embracing culture shift in the force. Chief Richardson hosts the Journeys Through Leadership podcast which is currently in its second season of bringing in-depth conversations with Airmen from all walks of life. Give it a listen on your podcast platform of choice! Listen to this episode and more by searching for ‘Chevrons' on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.

Chief Master Sgt. Alex Gross, the Total Force Awareness Manager with the Air Force Directorate of Staff Integration at The Pentagon, and Staff Sgt. Julianne ‘MELD' Sharon, an intelligence analyst at the 104th Fighter Wing, Barnes ANGB, Massachusetts, share their first-hand experiences becoming and developing multi-capable Airmen, and advise on how integrating the Air Force components can help us better accomplish the mission. Listen to this episode and more by searching for ‘Chevrons' on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify.

We turn the microphone around and interview Chief Master Sgt. Sean Sullivan, Massachusetts State Command Chief and co-host of the CHEVRONS podcast. We talk about his vision for the enlisted force in the state and cover a few of the great initiatives being developed to enhance the careers of the enlisted force. CHEVRONS – a podcast for the enlisted force. From junior enlisted to senior leaders and those in between, we interview notable individuals to address everyday challenges and hurdles the enlisted force faces. New episodes arrive on the last Friday of each month! CHEVRONS on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mKTdhSAHuN9MBbp4GAbxW CHEVRONS on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chevrons/id1570686113 CHEVRONS on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZHZpZHNodWIubmV0L3Jzcy9wb2RjYXN0LzQ4NA

Senior Master Sgt. Martina Crouse, NGB Senior Leadership Management Office and Master Sgt. Christopher Smith, ANG Senior Enlisted Leadership Management Office join us as we discuss enlisted development opportunities and how one can best prepare themselves to not only apply for these opportunities, but to best succeed in the profession of arms. CHEVRONS – a podcast for the enlisted force. From junior enlisted, to senior leaders and those in between, we interview notable individuals to address everyday challenges and hurdles the enlisted force faces. New episodes arrive on the last Friday of each month! CHEVRONS on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mKTdhSAHuN9MBbp4GAbxW CHEVRONS on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chevrons/id1570686113 CHEVRONS on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZHZpZHNodWIubmV0L3Jzcy9wb2RjYXN0LzQ4NA

Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Myers, the Air National Guard's Command First Sergeant and first sergeant functional area manager, and Staff Sgt. Michelle Princi, an all source intelligence analyst with the 102nd Operations Support Squadron, shared their experiences with mentorship and how it has ultimately shaped their careers.

We'd like to thank all of you for listening to the CHEVRONS podcast. As we approach the new year we plan to have more great guests representing the entire spectrum of enlisted force including perspectives from not only our fellow Airmen from the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserves and the Regular Air Force, but our brethren in the Space Force as well as fellow National Guardsmen from the Army. We will also strive to add even more diverse points of view by including service members from all branches of the Armed Forces, including the U.S. Coast Guard. The enlisted experience isn't just an Air thing – it is shared by all who wear CHEVRONS on their uniform. We will be taking a short break through the holidays to retool and recharge but will return on January 28, 2022 with another great episode of CHEVRONS – a podcast for the enlisted force, by the enlisted force! Stay tuned!

Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Hirl, Command Chief of the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, and U.S. Space Force Sgt. D'Andre Floyd, a non-commissioned officer in charge of the standardization and evaluation shop at the 6th Space Warning Squadron on Cape Cod Space Force Station, discussed enlisted professional development, the qualities and attributes they look for in their peers and leaders, and culture as they each move forward in their new positions.

Featured on this episode are Chief Master Sgt. Shawn Withers, Chief of the Training and Education Center University at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee, and Senior Airman James Newsome, a flight line crew chief at the 104th Fighter Wing, Westfield, Massachusetts. These Airmen shared their perspectives on why they continue to serve and what qualities and attributes they look for in their fellow Airmen and leaders.

Chief Master Sgt. Lorene Kitzmiller, Enlisted Strategic Planner for the Office of the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief, National Guard Bureau, and Senior Airman Chloe Cournoyer, a services specialist in the 102nd Intelligence Wing Force Support Squadron, reflected on leadership throughout their careers and some of the ways that successful leaders can empower our Airmen.

Chief Master Sgt. Rachel Landegent, State Command Chief Master Sgt. for the Arizona Air National Guard,​ Papago Park Military Reservation, Phoenix, Arizona., and Airman 1st Class Nolan Kaldenberg, Paralegal in the Staff Judge Advocate's Office at Otis Air National Guard Base, shared their perspectives on potential benefits, personal and professional, of reaching outside of your comfort zone and taking advantage of development opportunities.

Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Caulfield, Command Chief of the 105th Airlift Wing, Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, and Staff Sgt. Kyle Currier, Digital Network Intelligence Analyst of the 203rd Intelligence Squadron at Otis Air National Guard Base, discussed an array of subjects on mentorship and how the actions of Airmen today will shape tomorrow's Air Force.

Chief Master Sgt. James Traficante, Command Chief of the 103rd Airlift Wing, Bradley Air National Guard Base in East Granby, Connecticut, and Airman 1st Class Joseph Chaves of the 102nd Communications Flight, shared valuable insight across the spectrum of the enlisted force on the subject of resilience, including how it has impacted their lives and careers, as well as some tips and encouragement!

Chief Maurice Williams, Command Chief of the Air National Guard, shared his thoughts and unique perspectives on enlisted development, domestic operations, leadership and the future role of the air national guard.