Retired CMSAF Gaylor speaks to Barksdale Airmen about life, career

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs Office
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale Airmen were given a unique perspective about the life and career of the fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Robert Gaylor, who visited here Jan. 21.

Chief Gaylor came to Barksdale, home of Air Force Global Strike Command, to be the guest speaker at the Chief's Recognition Ceremony, but also to speak to Airmen in Airman Leadership School, First Term Airman Center and an All Call.

During the All Call, Chief Gaylor spoke about his experiences throughout his career.

"I thought his tales of going from a one-striper to the fifth chief master sergeant of the Air Force were actually insightful and humorous, which is unlike any guest speaker at an All Call I have been to," said Airman 1st Class Megan France, 2nd Operations Group intelligence analyst. "It really brought into perspective how young the Air Force really is; it was amazing that in his lifetime he saw the development of everything we read as 'history' in the Professional Development Guide."

The chief said he had both good and bad experiences; however, the drive for success pushed him through those bad times. He said all Airmen have some control over how much success they will have.

"We all seek success," Chief Gaylor said. "The question is, 'how do we attain success?' Through my years of experience, it really comes down to three things: aptitude, attitude and opportunity. Airmen have control over aptitude and attitude, opportunity ... not so much, but attitude can bring opportunities.

The chief said aptitude is knowledge base and education, and it is completely up to Airmen how much experience and knowledge they attain. Attitude is the most important key.

"I can honestly say that my attitude is where I thrived," Chief Gaylor explained. "My family and I had to make many sacrifices in order for me to get opportunity. You have to give, in order to get."

Not turning down opportunity for fear of the unknown was Airman France's favorite advice.

"I would say the best advice in the chief's speech was about taking the opportunities given to us and to seek ones that we aspire too," Airman France said. "I believe what he said is true in that we should not give up great opportunities, our dreams, out of fear for what we don't know could happen."