News

Robins bids fond farewell to congenial command chief

  • Published
  • By Holly Birchfield
  • 78 ABW/PA
Although Chief Master Sgt. Carol Dockery's middle initials are 'A.M.', the Robins command chief said she's definitely not a morning person. However, her love for Robins and the Airmen who serve here are all the motivation she needs to get out of bed each morning and be an advocate and friend for the Robins' enlisted force.
The high-spirited energy that radiates throughout her workday is a storm of enthusiasm for making a difference in the lives of Robins' Airmen. While her heart beats strongly for helping Airmen be the best they can be, her time at Robins will end July 3 as she assumes the role of command chief for Air Force Cyber Command at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, La.
Chief Dockery, who has been the Robins command chief and the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center enlisted adviser since May 2007, said she will miss Robins, but appreciates the time she spent here.
"My departure is bittersweet, but I can't think of a better opportunity I've had to grow as a leader and as a partner with my boss than at any other job I've had," she said. "(I encourage people to) bloom where they're planted."
Chief Dockery said she has built amazing relationships while at Robins and will remember most the wonderful people she met and worked with here.
"We have accolades abound, but what I think most impressed me about Robins was the relationships that I've been able to build, not just with senior leadership, but with others across Robins," she said.
Chief Dockery said she has enjoyed working with Robins' leadership -- WR-ALC Commander Maj. Gen. Tom Owen, 78th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Warren Berry, and former wing commander Col. Theresa Carter, as well as other unit commanders basewide.
The chief has treasured her investment in junior Airmen at Robins.
"They've got a fantastic crew (at the First Term Airman Center)," she said. "Bringing in our recent accessions, wrapping our arms around them and teaching them about the Air Force and what we bring at Robins and how they're part of that broader family was just amazing."
Chief Dockery said getting junior enlisted Airmen involved in the community and teaching them about leadership and the challenges it brings has been truly rewarding.
Learning how to let go can be a challenge for the chief sometimes though.
"I think every time you go to a new base, you hold on to what your experience was from the past," she said. "I think we glorify bases so you go to (your next base) thinking, 'Wow, this is strange. This isn't the way I'm used to.'"
The dedication of Robins Airmen, both military and civilian alike will make this an ongoing challenge for the chief at her new assignment, she said.
In life's challenges, Chief Dockery has found lessons learned. She said every day is a chance to learn and grow.
"I let others be experts at what they're experts in and I respect what they bring to the table, regardless of what they wear on their sleeve," she said. "Whether you're an airman basic or a two-star general, I think everybody brings something to the table. If you're open to being a student, I think that there are more opportunities to grow as well as to influence."
Chief Dockery said leaving the Middle Georgia community will be tough.
"They open their arms, whether it's through the Chamber of Commerce, the various organizations on base that have donated their prayers to our Airmen in harms way as well as their monetary donations and their time," she said. "That has been the best."
Those who have worked closely with the Chief said they will miss the senior NCO with whom they partnered so well.
"Chief Dockery has been the perfect partner in leading this wing," said Col. Warren Berry, 78th ABW commander. "Her counsel is always spot on. Her outlook is always positive, and her focus is always squarely on the Airmen, both military and civilian."
Colonel Berry said he expects no less of Chief Dockery at her future endeavors.
"She'll take those same incredible traits to our newest major command, Air Force Cyber Command, and bring them the same success that always seems to follow her, only now it will be on a much grander scale and that's good for our Airmen and our Air Force," he said. "We'll miss Chief Dockery, but we will still hear from her and about her as she tackles her new challenges. She has raised our game and carried our flag proudly."
Col. Debra Bean, 78th ABW vice commander, said the command chief has made a positive impact on Robins.
"Chief Dockery is such an inspirational leader," she said. "Her energy, her humor, and her genuine nature motivate all of us who work with her. Her departure is such an incredible loss for Robins, but a big gain for the Air Force Cyber Command."
The chief's parting challenge is for Airmen to proudly wear the Air Force uniform and support Robins' efforts and initiatives and to continue to work hard and be successful.
"We have accomplished some amazing feats at Robins," she said. "Even when there were insurmountable odds, we came through with flying colors. Now, we didn't always have success, but we jumped right back in with both feet and did our best."