BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Yesterday we found out CMSAF #6 passed away. My deepest condolences go out to the McCoy family.
He was the first Senior Enlisted Advisor for Strategic Air Command (1 Mar 1975-31 July 1979) who would later go on to be the sixth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.
I reflect on my experiences with him:
Newly promoted to CMSgt, I received an assignment from Osan AB Korea to the Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer (AFSNCOA) Academy. There, I taught and helped develop curriculum for the Advance Leadership Experience Beta course. I recall first meeting Chief McCoy and Mrs. Kathy. It was a memorable moment.
Every encounter after (they would visit every class), I would run to the sound booth on the 2nd floor of the AFSNCOA to sit in the audio room (in my opinion it was the best seat in the house) when the former CMSAFs came to talk with the students. It was phenomenal! I would think to myself, I don't believe I'm in the same room as these giants. During the former CMSAF panels, they spoke about leadership, how the Air Force has evolved, the leaders we need today, challenges they faced and how we overcame them as a force. It was truly inspiring. My excitement certainly resembled a kid in a candy store. CMSAF #6 was passionate about education, leading with courage and training, developing and empowering our enlisted force.
He was deeply loved, and will be dearly missed.
Chief Smith
MELVINA A. SMITH, CMSgt, USAF
Command Chief, Air Force Global Strike Command