News

Installation welcomes new command chief

  • Published
  • By Wayne Crenshaw
  • 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Chief Master Sgt. Patrick Bowen Jr. became the new installation command chief Sept. 1.

It's his first assignment to Robins, but he is no stranger to the base. He previously traveled here to attend the NCO Academy and as a munitions specialist.

He is also no stranger to the 78th Air Base Wing commander, Col. Carl Buhler. A veteran of numerous deployments to the Middle East, Bowen worked under Buhler for nearly a year when the two were deployed to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

Bowen said he welcomed the opportunity to serve both Robins Airmen and Buhler again.

"Every day I ask myself what I can do for our Airmen, bosses and Air Force as a servant leader," he said. Bowen is the fifth generation in his family to serve in the military. He had a chance to go to college on a soccer scholarship, but was ready for adventure and independence...so, he joined the Air Force.

He's had stateside stints in Maine, South Dakota, Virginia and Florida, and overseas assignments in South Korea, Italy, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Although Robins Airmen have experienced fewer DUIs this year, Bowen said we can't relax, therefore he will continue to make it a priority. "We must seek, provide and advertise other choices for our Airmen to minimize potential DUIs." He said he is always ready to personally give a ride to any Airmen ever in need or find someone who can.

"There's absolutely no reason for anyone to ever make the decision to drink and drive," he said. "As a leader or supervisor it's imperative we remind our folks of that every chance we get."

Bowen also said one of his biggest goals is to emphasize and foster the team concept among the many different organizations and functions on Robins.

"It's important we remain unified toward a common purpose," he said.