Gunfighters Welcome New Command Chief Master Sgt. Chad W. Bickley Published Dec. 23, 2016 By Staff Reports 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Name: Chief Master Sergeant Chad W. Bickley Time in Service: 23 years Hometown: Castlewood, Virginia Family: Wife, Nicki; son: Will (6) daughters: Allie (4), Kate (2) Biggest challenge faced so far in your Air Force career: My biggest challenge is to maintain the right balance between work and family. A lot of times our families draw the short straw in this area. I make it a priority to spend quality time with the family. My family will be with me a long time after I retire from the Air Force. Person who has had the biggest impact/effect on your life: I grew up in a rural area, and my parents had a very modest income. I was always impressed how hard my dad and mom worked to support me and my sister, day in and day out. They provided everything I needed and raised me to be the man I am today. They instilled in me the appreciation and satisfaction of an honest day’s work. Work philosophy: I’m a firm believer that hard work and self-discipline are the keys to success. Come to work every day and give it all of you got…leave it better than you found it. Develop the discipline to make the right decisions and look to improve your weak areas, while always striving for excellence. After that the sky’s the limit… Hobbies: Running, Cycling, Hiking, and spending time with the family. Funniest moment in your Air Force career: While on a mission executing fly away security as a young defender, I was the subject of a little Aircrew humor. I was instructed to take an air sample inside the aircraft with a trash bag, and provide a date/time/altitude of when the sample occurred. After we landed, I was instructed to drop off the bag at Base Ops. Needless to say many people got some knee slapping comedy when I rolled into Base Ops with a brown labeled hefty trash bag in tow. I learned a long time ago it’s alright to laugh at yourself. Favorite foods: Ribeye Steak, Seafood, Italian. Favorite rank held so far: I have great memories of each rank throughout my career. While no rank necessarily stands out, I do harken back to when I was selected as a NCO and SNCO. With the additional duties and responsibilities that come with the ranks, I felt I had a better chance to influence our Airmen on different levels and fronts. Blues or Airman Battle Uniform: I don’t have a preference. Each uniform serves its purpose throughout our Air Force. Obviously ABUs are the utility uniform, and for the majority of our force in the field, are the logical choice on a day-to-day basis. However, when our job/mission dictates we wear blues occasionally and/or daily, we should wear them proudly. We’ve missed the ball if we see the wearing of blues as some sort of punishment. Be proud to serve, regardless of what uniform the Air Force dictates. Hopes for the future: To become a better husband and father for my family, both today and tomorrow. My hope is to serve the men and women of Mountain Home with honor, character, and integrity, and to live up to the high expectations of those who came before me. What song is most like the theme of your life: "Funny the Way It Is" by Dave Matthews. This is an offbeat song, but it really has a good meaning and helps me put things in perspective and be grateful for what I have. There’s always someone in this world that has it worse than you do and would trade places with you in a heartbeat. Be thankful for what you have. Why did you join the Air Force: I woke up one day and thought “what do I want to do for the rest of my life?” I was always drawn to the military and the loyalty of serving your country. I met my local recruiter, watched a video on Security Forces, and signed the dotted line. I’ve loved it ever since. Motto to live by: I like the quote by General George Patton “Do more than what is required of you”. I tie this to our Core Value of Excellence in All We Do. Regardless of what your mission is, from making a flight meal in the DFAC to placing precision guided missiles on our enemies…give it all you’ve got, don’t settle for the bare minimum. What do you hope to achieve at MHAFB: I’ve heard Mountain Home AFB is a fantastic wing rich with a proud history of mission excellence. I want to continue to add to the legacy by supporting/advocating for our Officers, Enlisted, and Civilians on key issues impacting them, and allow us to continue focusing on mission execution…while keeping distractions to a minimum. Additionally, I want to focus on the development of our enlisted Airmen through various mentorship opportunities and venues for their development. Bottom line, I’m blessed and extremely honored for the opportunity to serve you, the men and women of Mountain Home AFB. (Editor's Note: For Command Chief Master Sgt. Bickley's full biography, click here)