Air Force reserve command selects command chief

Citizen Airman, Dec, 2004

The former top NCO within 10th Air Force is now Air Force Reserve Command's command chief master sergeant.

Chief Master Sgt. Jackson A. Winsett took over the position from Chief Master Sgt. Cheryl D. Adams in November. Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, chief of Air Force Reserve and AFRC commander, selected Chief Winsett from among 20 nominees. Air Force Reservists from all categories--traditional Reservists, individual mobilization augmentees, air reserve technicians, and active Guard and Reserve members--applied for the privilege of occupying the command's top enlisted position.

Chief Winsett is the fourth command chief AFRC has had since it was established as a major command in 1997 and the 12th person to hold the top enlisted job in the Reserve since March 1973.

The position of AFRC command chief master sergeant is a three-year controlled tour at Robins Air Force Base, Ga. The duties involve communicating with the commander on problems, concerns, morale and attitudes of the enlisted force and, in turn, ensuring the commander's policies are known and understood by the enlisted force.

"My concern is for the enlisted force and the utilization of the force," Chief Winsett said. "I anticipate working hard for the next 36 months ensuring the needs of the enlisted corps are met."

Chief Adams, who began serving as the AFRC command chief master sergeant in February 2001, was the first African-American woman to hold the title of command chief on active duty for a major command. She is being considered for a position within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. If selected she will report for duty in the Pentagon as early as Dec. 1.

Chief Winsett entered the Air Force Reserve in 1981 after serving on active duty in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969 with tours in Berlin, Germany, and in the Republic of Vietnam.

His duties in the Air Force Reserve included assignments as an administrative specialist, military personnel flight specialist, group career adviser, first sergeant and command chief master sergeant.

He served as the senior enlisted adviser for the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo., before becoming the command chief for 10th Air Force.

In his civilian career, Chief Winsett worked for the Federal Deposit Insurance Co. and owned a consulting firm. He retired from both occupations, devoting the last three years to full-time service in the Air Force Reserve.

Chief Winsett has lived in Lexana, Kan., since 1989. He is married and the father of one daughter and two sons.

The chief holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and business and a master of arts degree in business and counseling. (1st Lt. Lance Patterson, Headquarters AFRC public affairs, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.)