CMSAF Cody visits MacDill

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody spent time with Airmen during his visit to MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Feb. 22, 2016.

Cody began his visit with an Airmen's Call where more than 400 Airmen had the chance to address their questions and concerns on current Air Force topics, ranging from new retirement plans to manpower.

Many Airmen had questions about the recent changes to the new enlisted performance report system and how it would effect career progression. In return, Cody explained the changes and stressed the importance of job performance and meaningful feedback with Airmen.

"Be the best at your job, do the thing with the most significant impact, and anybody reading those reports will see that," explained Cody.

He wrapped up the Airmen's Call discussing manpower and finding work-life balance, while still working hard.

"Work hard, take care of each other and do your best," said Cody. "We need to look for a reasonable and sustainable work-life balance and work-rest cycle."

He went on to stress that Airmen need to continue to put forth their best effort because there is not an equation where Airmen come into work without working hard.

Cody later took time to visit with students at the Chief Master Sgt. Aubert E. Dozier Airman Leadership School (ALS) to discuss current Air Force subjects and trends affecting new supervisors. 

Following the ALS visit, Cody sat down for lunch with 20 noncommissioned officers before he made his way to his final two stops of the day: the air traffic control tower, and the 6th Security Forces Squadron's marine patrol. 

MacDill is familiar ground for Cody as he was the former chief controller, 1st sergeant with the 6th Operations Support Squadron and Command Chief of the 6th Air Mobility Wing.

"It's always an honor when you meet the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force," said Master Sgt. Gilberto Ortiz, the chief controller with the 6th Air Mobility Wing. "The fact that he comes from the air traffic control career field just makes the experience that much more special. He is truly the example of what all air traffic controllers should strive to become."

To conclude his tour, the security forces marine patrol team took Cody out on the water in a marine patrol boat. He saw first-hand how these Airmen patrol the bay and protect MacDill assets in a unique manner.

Overall, Cody's visit brought insight to Airmen's questions and concerns, and gave Airmen a chance to voice their thoughts and ideas.