Forging the Force: SSgt Robert Day and the Wright-Patterson 5/6

Published Feb. 6, 2026
By Megan Purves
88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Military service is a family tradition for Staff Sgt. Robert Day. With a father in the Army National Guard and a lineage stretching back to the D-Day invasion, it was his mother, Tonya Day, who took him to see an Air Force recruiter. She saw something in him from the very beginning of his journey.

“I remember when he served in the Air Force Honor Guard, I could see what a natural born leader he was going to be,” she reflects. “He lives and breathes the Air Force; he will drop anything to help an airman.”

A U.S. Air Force Honor Guardsman stands alongside other drill team members. His rifle is spinning in the air directly above him. He wears a formal dark blue ceremonial uniform with white gloves. — U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Day, then the noncommissioned officer in charge of training for the USAF Honor Guard Drill Team, performs during the Joint Armed Services Drill Competition on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., September 2022. (Contributed photo)

A U.S. Air Force Honor Guardsman stands alongside other drill team members. His rifle rests on his shoulder. He wears a formal dark blue ceremonial uniform with white gloves. — U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Day, then the noncommissioned officer in charge of training for the USAF Honor Guard Drill Team, performs during an Honor Flight event at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, VA, August 2021. (Contributed photo)

That potential his mother saw was forged and polished on the nation’s most visible ceremonial stages. Before his assignment to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, SSgt Day served as the noncommissioned officer in charge of training for the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, D.C.

It was a role that demanded absolute perfection and unwavering trust. This responsibility was on full display whether he was throwing an M-1 Garand rifle with pinpoint precision during a joint armed services drill competition or performing for veterans at an Honor Flight event. This experience, rooted in discipline and tradition, honed the leadership skills he would bring to his next chapter of service.

That innate drive to serve others manifests in his role as the president of the Wright-Patterson 5/6 Council. As a financial analyst by trade and a mentor by calling, Day uses the council as a platform to create opportunities for his fellow junior noncommissioned officers, directly supporting a pillar of the 88th Air Base Wing’s mission – Developing a ready and resilient force.

“My personal motivation comes from seeing others succeed,” said SSgt Day.

My personal motivation comes from seeing others succeed.

Staff Sgt. Robert Day

Leadership in action

At its core, the Wright-Patt 5/6 Council is an engine for professional and personal growth. It provides a platform for junior noncommissioned officers to cultivate leadership skills, build camaraderie, and serve the community.

Senior leadership recognizes the impact the 5/6 can have.

“The 5/6 can be the voice to leadership to make change,” Chief Master Sgt. Michael Sierra, 88th Mission Support Group command chief said.

Under Day’s leadership, the council is a hub of activity. General council meetings see committee leads coordinating everything from professional development seminars and fundraising partnerships to community outreach with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Airman’s Attic.

“I believe in giving people the goal and letting them figure out the 'how,'” said Day, “It builds trust and creates leaders.”

Staff Seargeant Robert Day, 88th Comptroller Squadron, leads the 5/6 council meeting. The 5/6 council is a professional organization of Junior Non-Commissioned Officers that provides mentorship, development, and community service to the junior enlisted force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jack Gardner) — Staff Sgt. Robert Day, 88th Comptroller Squadron, leads the 5/6 council meeting. The 5/6 council is a professional organization of Junior Non-Commissioned Officers that provides mentorship, development, and community service to the junior enlisted force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jack Gardner)

This commitment is exhibited in the 5/6-led Technical and Staff Sergeant release parties, events designed to celebrate the significant career milestone of promotion.

The council has a contributing role in shaping future leaders through the NCO Induction Ceremony. More than a simple tradition, the ceremony is the capstone of a two-day professional enhancement seminar hosted by the Chief Master Sgt. Grace A. Peterson Airman Leadership School at Wright-Patterson AFB. During this immersive event, new NCOs gain invaluable insights into leadership, responsibility, and their evolving role in the Air Force.

Beyond formal events, the 5/6 is about building a resilient community and a culture of support, demonstrated through thoughtful acts like delivering gift cards to defenders and medical staff working on Christmas Eve. Through these shared efforts, celebrating milestones, fostering mentorship, and strengthening community, the 5/6 serves as a vital tool in forging a ready and resilient force.

SSgt Day’s energy, passion, and goal to better his peers have led to the 5/6’s growth.

Chief Master Sgt. Michael Sierra, 88th Mission Support Group command chief

“SSgt Day’s energy, passion, and goal to better his peers have led to the 5/6’s growth,” CMSgt Sierra said.

That dedication and visible impact did not go unnoticed.

On January 22 Staff Sgt. Day was presented with the Chief Master Sgt. James “Andy” Anderson Leadership and Service Award. Selected by the Wright-Patterson Chief’s Group, this award honors an enlisted member who profoundly serves their fellow Airmen through both exceptional job performance and tireless dedication to private organizations.

A large group photo of military members, wearing camouflage uniforms, the center two people holding an award certificate — SSgt Day recognized by WPAFB Chiefs Group

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Day, 88th Comptroller Squadron financial analysis noncommissioned officer in charge, is presented the Chief Master Sgt. James Andy Anderson Leadership and Service Award by the Wright-Patterson Chief's Group at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Jan. 22, 2026. The award honors enlisted Airmen who demonstrate outstanding contributions to the U.S. Air Force's operations and service to fellow enlisted Airmen through job performance and private organization leadership or involvement. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Peterson)

SLIDESHOW | images | SSgt Day recognized by WPAFB Chiefs Group

A close-up image of two hands holding an award plaque of wood and brass — SSgt Day recognized by WPAFB Chiefs Group

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Day, 88th Comptroller Squadron financial analysis noncommissioned officer in charge, is presented the Chief Master Sgt. James Andy Anderson Leadership and Service Award plaque at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Jan. 22, 2026. The award honors enlisted Airmen who demonstrate outstanding contributions to the U.S. Air Force's operations and service to fellow enlisted Airmen through job performance and private organization leadership or involvement. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Peterson)

SLIDESHOW | images | SSgt Day recognized by WPAFB Chiefs Group

A wooden plaque with a black and white etching of a man in U.S. Air Force service dress uniform surrounded by challenge coins. Below the image is a list of names of award recipients — SSgt Day recognized by WPAFB Chiefs Group

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Day, 88th Comptroller Squadron financial analysis noncommissioned officer in charge, has his name added to the Chief Master Sgt. James Andy Anderson Leadership and Service Award plaque at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Jan. 22, 2026. The award honors enlisted Airmen who demonstrate outstanding contributions to the U.S. Air Force's operations and service to fellow enlisted Airmen through job performance and private organization leadership or involvement. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Peterson)

SLIDESHOW | images | SSgt Day recognized by WPAFB Chiefs Group

The award submission came from Chief Master Sgt. David McCormick, 88th Comptroller Squadron Senior Enlisted Leader, who has seen Day’s work firsthand. McCormick highlighted what stands out the most about his character.

“Servant leadership,” McCormick said. “He isn’t in it for the recognition. He’s in it for the Airmen.”

In front of his squadron teammates and his visiting mother, Day accepted the award with tears and humility.

“This is the first award I had no knowledge of!” he shared, thanking the Chief’s Group and his Comptroller Squadron team. “We have a phenomenal CPTS [Comptroller Squadron] family... thank you all for making this a big hoopla because being recognized for this is awesome.”

Staff Sgt. Day’s leadership extends beyond any single title. In addition to serving as the 5/6 president, he has emceed Air Force events, performed the National Anthem at Airmen promotion ceremonies, and serves as his squadron’s Unit Fitness Program Manager. For Day, it is about investing in people, a principle he aims to demonstrate daily in every role he fulfils.

Staff Sgt. Robert Day emcees the Wing Staff Agency All Call. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Peterson) — SSgt Day

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Day, 88th Comptroller Squadron financial analyst noncommissioned officer in charge, emcees a Wing Staff Agency all call at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Aug. 28, 2025. The event recognized award winners for their contributions throughout the quarter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Peterson)

SLIDESHOW | images | SSgt Day

Staff Sgt. Robert Day, 88th Comptroller Squadron sings the National Anthem during the Technical Sergeant release party. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jack Gardner) — SSgt Day

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Day, 88th Comptroller Squadron financial analyst noncommissioned officer in charge, performs the National Anthem at a Technical Sergeant release party at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, June 27, 2025. The event recognized the newest Technical Sergeant Selects. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jack Gardner)

SLIDESHOW | images | SSgt Day

While the award signifies official recognition, a simple phone call stands out to SSgt Day as one of the most meaningful forms of recognition he’s received. It was from the mother of an airman he had mentored. According to Day, she called just to say thank you for the positive influence he'd had on her son's life, and to tell him, "Thank you for being someone he wants to follow."

“Watching him grow and leading other Airmen is what I’m excited to see him to continue to do – it’s not a 9-5 for him,” his mother says proudly.

Staff Sgt. Day’s story is a reminder that leadership is not defined by a position, but by action. It is measured not in the awards received, but in the growth of those you serve. That is the enduring meaning of forging the force.

A blonde man, wearing military camouflage uniform, poses with a blonde woman, wearing glasses and light blue shirt, while holding an award plaque — U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Day, 88th Comptroller Squadron financial analysis noncommissioned officer in charge, poses for a photo with his mother, Tonya Day, after receiving an award at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Jan. 22, 2026. The Chief Master Sgt. James Andy Anderson Leadership and Service Award honors enlisted Airmen who demonstrate outstanding contributions to the U.S. Air Force's operations and service to fellow enlisted Airmen through job performance and private organization leadership or involvement. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Peterson)