62nd AW command chief focuses on needs of Airmen

Staff Sgt. Frances Kriss/62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

From touring work areas and attending official functions to participating in the last operational readiness exercise, the new command chief hit the ground running when he showed up the first day of work.

Chief Master Sgt. Gordon Drake, the 62nd Airlift Wing’s new command chief, has been in the wing for less than three months, but he’s quickly learning about the 62nd AW and is ready to take on his position as the commander’s top enlisted adviser.

“I’m very excited to be here, and to be hand-picked for the command chief position is a blessing,” Drake, a Texas native, said. “So far, I’ve been thoroughly impressed with all our Airmen here. I’ve never seen a group of more motivated, creative and technologically adaptable people with good ideas.”

Drake’s previous assignment was maintenance group superintendent for the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

“During the selection process, Chief Drake stood out as an Airman who embodies the Air Force core values,” Col. Wyn Elder, 62nd AW commander, said. “All his answers to my questions began with, ‘How would that affect Airmen?’”

With 27 years of experience, Drake has a vision for what he wants to accomplish as 62nd AW command chief.

“I want to spend the last three years of my career trying to make things better for the next generation,” he said.

In return, Drake also set his expectations for Airmen and NCOs.

“I expect Airmen to adhere to standards and I really want them to make responsible choices,” Drake said. “Whether it’s deciding to be the designated driver or studying hard for a promotion test, these are all choices we have to make and we have to make the responsible ones.

“For NCOs, I expect them to strive to exceed standards and be a role model,” he said. “Be somebody the Airmen want to emulate or look up to.”

Being the senior command chief at JBLM, Drake wants Airmen to know he’s available for them.

“I’m here for you,” he said. “If you see me out and about, I want you to stop me and introduce yourself and your family, tell me where you work, and just talk to me because I just want to talk to you.”