Chiefs honor NASIC vice commander

  • Published
  • By James Lunsford
  • NASIC
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  A National Air and Space Intelligence Center Airmen advocate was recognized as an honorary chief master sergeant during a presentation Monday by the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Chiefs' Group.

Col. Mark Hess, the center's vice commander, received the honor at NASIC in front of the organization's senior officer, civilian and enlisted leadership.

Chief Master Sgt. Angela Cassel, 88th Medical Inpatient Operations Squadron superintendent and president of the Chiefs' Group made the presentation.

"Although not an enlisted member, [Colonel Hess] has given his life and career to take care of us...the Airmen," Chief Cassel said. "He is everywhere, all the time, anytime, just like a chief."

The honor recognizes Wright-Patterson leaders who have displayed exemplary individual care for the enlisted force and who possess the traits of a chief master sergeant.

"In my nearly 27-year career I have received medals, promotions, and numerous awards. None have rendered me speechless until today," Colonel Hess said. "My sincerest and humble thanks to all the chiefs. I plan to find a special place of honor for my new stripes."

The announcement marks the first time in more than three years the honor has been bestowed by the Chiefs' Group.

"You may not know it, but you are witnessing a part of Air Force history," said Chief Cassel. "In more than 20 years in the Air Force, I have never witnessed what you see this morning and I will probably not see it again."

Chief Master Sgt. Michael Ronayne, NASIC's command chief and most senior enlisted member, nominated Colonel Hess.

"Colonel Hess has been an inspirational leader to the enlisted force," Chief Ronayne said. "I have encountered very few senior officers in my 29 years of service that are so Airmen driven. It's been my honor to serve with this outstanding officer."

An honorary chief induction ceremony for "Chief" Hess will take place in June.

"Being an honorary chief is the second greatest honor that has ever been given to me," Colonel Hess said. "The first, is the privilege to serve with the finest Airmen in the world - second to none."

Colonel Hess was commissioned in 1985 and is retiring in June. In addition to his assignment as the NASIC vice commander, he flew B-52 bombers during Desert Storm, was a bomber strike planner at U.S. Strategic Command plus stood-up and later commanded the Air Force's first T-6A trainer aircraft student training squadron.

"Time and time again NASIC Airmen stand-out amongst their peers," said Chief Ronayne. "This is a direct result of the personal care and development of the enlisted force by Colonel Hess. Our Airmen will miss his service greatly."

Joining Chiefs Cassel and Ronayne were six chief master sergeants from across the base including Chief Master Sgt. Eric Jaren, the command chief for Air Force Materiel Command, and Chief Master Sgt. Peri Rogowski, the 445th Airlift Wing command chief.