Washington, D.C.-The Senior Enlisted member of the United States Air Force is scheduled to retire this summer it was announced last Thursday. Chief Master Sergeant, Rodney J. McKinley said last Thursday that he will hang it up and retire in Summer 2009.
McKinley is the 15th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, and became the Chief Master Sergeant in June of 2006. He has been enlisted in service for the last three decades.
?In my heart, I will always be an Airman,? said Chief Master Sergeant McKinley. McKinley grew up in Ohio on a farm in a small town. He was excited to join the Air Force, and served in the end of Vietnam, Desert Storm and participated in Iraqi Freedom.
While in service he was able to earn a 4 year college degree, and then finish his Master?s Degree.
?The opportunities that I had to raise my family, it was an opportunity that the young people in America have to serve their country and to do well by their families,? said McKinley. ?Its been an awesome ride,? said Chief Master Sergeant McKinley.
The senior member of the Air Force is an advisor to the Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Air Force, and works to assist in welfare and morale issues. He also represents the enlisted ranks to all different levels of the United States Government.