Command chief targets specifi enlisted goals Published Sept. 21, 2009 By Senior Airman David Salanitri 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Chief Master Sgt. Lonnie Slater's first month as command chief of the 81st Training Wing has been a busy one. The E. St. Louis, Ill., native is motivated to push forward with the development of Team Keesler. "My main mission at Keesler is to support Brig. Gen. Ian Dickinson's strategic vision and three component message of integrity, teamwork and caring," said Chief Slater. I also have a two component message myself." Back to our enlisted roots -- "I want to make sure Airmen never forget what was engrained in them at basic military training -- attention to detail, our traditions, customs and courtesies. Basic training is the platform for success of every enlisted Airman." The big picture -- "All Airmen need to know that in whatever they do, they represent something much bigger than themselves. Every Airman took the pledge to defend our country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. We are the protectors of every U.S. citizen's freedoms ." During his current 24 years of service in the Air Force, Chief Slater has earned two associates of applied science degrees in Food Service and Human Resource Management, a bachelor degree in Theology and a master of arts degree in Religion. The former First Sergeant of the Year, 14th Flying Training Wing, Columbus Air Force Base, MS, has also held 11 different assignments including tours in Asia and Europe. The chief has deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a first sergeant in Afghanistan and also served as the commandant of Kisling NCO Academy, Kapaun Air Station, Germany and the Air Force First Sergeant Academy, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Alabama. "I'm happy to be here, and I'm looking forward to working with all the great Airmen--military, civilian, and contractor Keesler has," Chief Slater said.