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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing Chief Master Sergeant Steve Nichols, 60th Air Mobility Wing Command Chief, upon his retirement, for his outstanding service and contributions to Solano County (Supervisor Spering)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Jim Spering requests the Board adopt and present a resolution in honor of Chief Master Sergeant Steve A. Nichols, who has served as the Command Chief of the 60th Air Mobility Wing for the last two years and will be retiring from the United States Air Force after 24 years of service.
DISCUSSION/SUMMARY:
Chief Master Sergeant Steve A. Nichols is the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis Air Force Base, California. As the senior enlisted leader of the largest Air Mobility Wing in the Air Force, Chief Nichols expertly advised two commanders in managing over 12 billion dollars of assets and executing a 635 million dollar annual base budget ensuring the readiness and well-being of more than 26 thousand military members and their families.
In his role as the Command Chief, Chief Nichols oversaw all matters concerning the morale, welfare, health and discipline of more than 4,900 enlisted men and women. Working closely with the First Sergeants, the top three enlisted ranks, and the middle enlisted ranks, the Chief was the lynchpin between the commanders and the enlisted force. He was always accessible and working to ensure military members had the tools and support needed to be successful in accomplishing their mission.
Chief Nichols leadership style fostered a climate of encouragement and outreach to young airmen that directly contributed to implementation of some innovative programs and processes at Travis Air Force Base, including the Phoenix Spark Cell - a think tank program for the military - the first of its kind in the Air Force, and creation of a Special Duty Data Base that improved the process of identifying the best qualified enlisted members for special assignments, and saving 2,600 work hours a year for the 60th Air Mobility Wing.
Chief Nichols’ team is credited with re-energizing the Air Force Community Partnership Program, strengthening local relationships while generating a number of win-win agreements. This was highlighted by establishing the True North preventative law initiative program, recognized as an Air Force best practice. It is a mentoring program to help young airmen make better decisions during their day-to-day life, and the program included partnering with the California Medical Facility.
Chief Master Sergeant Steve A. Nichols will retire from the Air Force after 24 years of distinguished service with numerous awards and achievements to his credit. He will be recognized for his service at Travis AFB on September 7, 2018 with the Legion of Merit medal.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item is nominal and absorbed by the District 3 FY2018/19 Adopted Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
60th Air Mobility Wing Command Section