Exception-to-the-rule chief retires after 22 years occupying top enlisted rank

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeff Kelly
  • 315th Airlift Wing
CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  For enlisted Airmen, achieving the Air Force’s highest enlisted rank, chief master sergeant, is a common career goal. But the reality is very few people actually reach this lofty goal, and those who do usually reach it at the end of their military career. 

Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Angel is an exception to the rule. Not only did Chief Angel succeed in making it to the top enlisted grade, but he held the rank for 22 years, which is longer than many Airmen’s entire career.

Chief Angel joined the Air Force in 1964 at age 17, with his parents’ consent. He was promoted to chief master sergeant in 1983. After a 41-year career in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve, he will retire in July from his position as maintenance superintendent and senior air reserve technician in the 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.

“I’ve always simply enjoyed my work and taken a lot of pride in doing the best I could do,” he said. “As an Airman, I was always one of the first to volunteer for TDYs (temporary duty assignments), special projects, difficult jobs, etc. I worked with good people and just enjoyed my work. I never thought much about promotions.”

Over the past 41 years, the chief said he’s seen a significant change in the role of Reservists.

“The basic responsibility of balancing mission requirements with ensuring that your personnel are taken care of hasn’t changed,” he said. “What has changed is that Reservists have gone from being ‘weekend warriors’ to full partners with the active duty. Reservists have stepped up to the plate and have made a major contribution to Charleston AFB and to the nation, and our active-duty counterparts have been great to work with over the years and truly treat the Reservists well.”

Chief Angel said he will miss the people he works with.

“Team Charleston really is a great team,” he said. “I can’t imagine anyone working harder with more dedication than the people I work with daily. Every day, I see individuals putting in long hours doing whatever is necessary to make the mission happen. I’m proud to be a part of such a great group of people.” «

(Sergeant Kelly is assigned to the 315th Airlift Wing public affairs office at Charleston AFB.)