Buckley Chiefs Group host luncheon at ARPC

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rob Hazelett
  • Air Reserve Personnel Center Public Affairs
BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo --  More than 40 top-ranking noncommissioned officers of the Armed Forces from Buckley AFB and the local area attended a unique meeting of the Colorado E-9er's Association hosted by the Buckley Chiefs Group here April 24, 2013.

This was the first time the Colorado E-9er's Association held their meeting at ARPC.

"Buckley's active-duty chiefs, master chiefs and sergeant majors try to attend the E-9er meetings at least once a quarter," said Chief Master Sgt. Brian Wanke, president, Buckley Chiefs Group, "When retired Master Chief Petty Officer Mike Phelps, Colorado E-9er's Association president, asked about getting together on base with the Buckley Chiefs Group, we jumped at the opportunity."

The E-9er's are a group of mostly retired E-9s from the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. In addition to conducting routine business, the monthly meetings feature a variety of guest speakers.

Since this month's meeting was held at ARPC, Chief Master Sgt. Brian C. L. Wong, ARPC command chief, was asked to be the guest speaker.

"This luncheon is a great opportunity for those of us currently serving to hear the stories and thoughts from those who have previously served so that we remember and embrace their trail blazing labors," Wong said. "We are who we are today because of these efforts. We need to remember our past to live in the present, and to prepare for the future."

During the luncheon, Wong highlighted ARPC's mission and the role it plays taking care of Air Force retirees.