'Oh really:' command chief retires with no regrets

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. David D. Morton
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  On a small end table near the corner of the desk in the 302nd Airlift Wing command chief's room sits a plaque with an inscription that reads: Around this camp there is only one Chief. The rest are all Indians!

Apparently, all the Indians have grown up. They've become chiefs at other positions within the wing's squadrons, and outgoing Command Chief Master Sgt. Kirby D. Schueler wouldn't have it any other way.

"I would like to believe that the people mentored, I've played an important role in their successes," said Chief Schueler. "There are indicators to make me believe that's possible. My entire career, my entire success is because of the superior people around me. My greatest accomplishments are the chief master sergeants I raised."

Before he could raise chief master sergeants, though, he raised the 39th Aerial Port Squadron to new heights. Armed with Active Duty and Air Force Reserve aerial port experience, he arrived from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn. in April 1987, and accepted an air reserve technician position as Non-commissioned Officer in charge of wing plans for the 39th APS. He would later become the senior air reserve technician from 1988-1992 and again in 1996 until 2000. He went on to become the Chief of Wing Aerial Port Operations in 1995, and would guide the unit to an Air Force Reserve Command award and numerous Numbered Air Force outstanding unit awards.

Those accomplishments would have been just fine with Chief Schueler. But in October 2005, he found others in the wing had much grander plans in store for him.

"I never aspired to become wing command chief," said Chief Schueler. "But when the time came, I made the decision to take it. I was extremely prideful. General Kane - decided I was the right guy at the right time for the position. I have no regrets whatsoever."

Brig. Gen. William Kane was the commander of the 302nd AW from July 2004 to April 2006.

However, Chief Schueler quickly realized the position would offer different challenges he was unaccustomed to and would have to adapt to the new job on the run.

"I became an Army of one," the Chief joked. "It was where my eyes were opened to the macro world outside the restrictions of just Air Force Skill Code specifics and cross the boundaries of different career fields for all genders, ethnic groups and backgrounds. No longer did I deal with just the aerial port world, and (I) had to set the example at one time for over 1,500 people when we had the 310th Space Group. It was humbling. Your instincts and your training take over. You do the very best job you can. I was highly pressured to think 'will I do it right, or will I do it wrong.'

"I believed wholeheartedly in orderliness and discipline. It was always my duty. In the end, I hoped I worked hard enough to earn the respect of the people in the wing. That respect can never be demanded; it can only be earned."

It's the same respect the next command chief for the wing, Chief Master Sgt. Joseph R. Westerlund, would like to earn. Chief Westerlund is now the 302nd AW's command chief as of March 1. He has also served with the 39th APS and as a first sergeant for 302nd Maintenance Group.

"I've advised him to look beyond the scope of maintenance," said Chief Schueler. "He will think and speak with temperament in decision making, and encourage and develop relationships with group first sergeants and commanders in the wing. He should look to have fun with the position for the next 21-months he has it, and enjoy himself from this time forward and make the best of it."

Chief Schueler, who has served under each wing commander of the 302nd Airlift Wing since its transition from the 901st Tactical Airlift Group in April 1985, said it was "a great opportunity with a new wing commander taking over for a new command chief to take the wing into its next chapter."

That new chapter will be written under the guidance of Col. Jack H. Pittman, Jr., who accepted command of the wing from Col. James J. Muscatell, Jr. on Jan. 10.

Colonel Muscatell, who assumed command of the 403rd Wing at Keesler AFB in Gulfport, Miss., summed up what it meant to have served with Chief Schueler as his command chief during outgoing comments at his change of command ceremony.

"More than a motto to say, we need a model to see and an example that deserves to be imitated," said the colonel. "We need someone to look up to and aspire to. I can't think of a better example for our Airmen than Chief Schueler. Chief, thank you for everything you've done for the wing. I know I am a better person and a better leader for knowing you. But most of all thank you for your friendship."

Chief Schueler retired in February 2009 with 33 years of military service.

Chief Westerlund only had one thing to say after Chief Schueler's retirement, "Oh, really!" referring to an inside joke between the two chiefs with stars between their stripes.

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