Chief Gaylor encourages Airmen to invest in career

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexandra Longfellow
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale Airmen got a unique perspective on investing from Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert D. Gaylor during his visit Oct. 28. 

Chief Gaylor, who was the 5th Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, spoke not only of finance, but about investing motivation, attitude and opportunities to create a successful career. 

The chief made many stops around base including the Airmen Leadership School, First Term Airmen Center, 2d Security Forces Squadron and he dined with Airmen at the Red River Dining Facility. Chief Gaylor also spoke at an assembly for Airmen at Hoban Hall. 

A motivational speaker, Chief Gaylor addressed Airmen about what it takes to be a successful leader and Airman, and how to incorporate military values in the civilian realm. 

"If I was in the military now, I would maintain good physical fitness for the high demands of deployments, become-and-stay financially stable for myself and my family, and work on my education," said Chief Gaylor. "More is expected of Airmen today. They need to learn to control things they can. It is the same advice I give myself everyday when I wake up." 

One Airman had the distinctive honor of shadowing him during his visit, Senior Airman Joshua Neely, earned the right because he was September's Airman of the Month. He learned some lessons about perspective during Chief Gaylor's time in service. 

Airmen Neely says that having a chance to listen to Chief Gaylor speak was a lesson in history. Growing up in an Air Force where everyone lived in the dorms regardless of rank, there were no computers, cities were segregated and jobs for women were few and far between, Chief Gaylor lived our history. 

"Listening to those experiences in history is amazing," said Airman Neely. "It is interesting to see how much the Air Force has changed and is continually changing." 

As Chief Gaylor spoke about his career experiences, he said he never once waited for an opportunity for something to happen. He invested in good choices, was spontaneous and eventually doors starting opening for him. 

"I didn't expect to make Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force," said Chief Gaylor. "I got it and ran with it. I did my best to get the most out of everything that came my way." 

Chief Gaylor, 79, who is the oldest living Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, held the prestigious position from 1977 to 1979.