AFMC command chief makes last visit to Robins prior to upcoming retirement Published Jan. 18, 2008 By Kendahl Johnson 78th ABW/PA Robins Air Force Base, Ga. -- In the past few weeks, Robins has seen visits from several members of Air Force Materiel Command's senior leadership team, including Chief Master Sgt. Jonathan Hake, command chief master sergeant of AFMC. It was Chief Hake's final visit to Robins as an enlisted military member, as he retires Feb. 1. He took a few moments to sit down with the Robins Rev-up and share some of his thoughts. On leaving the Air Force... I will miss the good fortune of serving with Americans that are so proud to serve and be committed to something bigger than themselves. I feel honored and privileged to be a part of that team. On his visit to Robins... I generally come with a command message. I also try to offer a strategic level perspective. I want to offer some insight into why we make certain decisions. But I am also listening to what our enlisted folks are saying to try to get a sense for if we are heading in the right direction with what we are doing. On changes in the Air Force over the last three decades... The challenges we face today are the same we faced when I enlisted in 1978, just on a different level. We have the same mission, just fewer people to perform that mission. We do have greater technology and Airmen with greater training. Airmen come into the Air Force more dedicated and more motivated than perhaps I was when I enlisted. When you look at the education level of Airmen joining the Air Force today, they are much smarter. On advice he'd give to newly enlisted Airmen... Do your best every day. Ask questions so you understand how you fit in to our overall mission to fly, fight and win. And then do your absolute best every day. I would also tell Airmen to pause for a moment before making a decision to be sure it's the right thing to do. I'd tell them to consider the "Mom and Dad Principle." As you are making decisions about things you are going to do, ask yourself the question, "Would mom or dad be proud of me if they knew I was doing this?" If the answer is no, you should reconsider the decision. On taking pride in our efforts... It's people that really make the difference. They work diligently every day with the responsibility they are given to uphold the trust America gives them. Whether you are the most junior Airman that arrives at Robins or the most senior civilian working here, you should be proud of what you do. What we do here is so vitally important. We have a great responsibility to deliver that capability for America. Every time I get the opportunity to come to Robins and see the great things people are doing, and see how proud they are of the work they are doing, I return all pumped up and full of energy. On how to be successful... The three key things I've always said helps you be successful are value of teamwork, attention to detail and doing the absolute best every day. If you just think about those three things as you go about your daily duties and as you are making decisions, you will be successful.