USAFA command chief to retire after 30-year career: Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Ludwig on retirement, his 'family of Airmen' Published June 4, 2014 By Ray Bowden Academy Spirit editor U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Ludwig, the Academy's command chief and top-enlisted Airmen, is stepping-down to retire later this year after more than 30 years of military service. His official retirement ceremony is today in Arnold Hall at 10:30 a.m., but in many ways, he said he'll never leave the Air Force. "For me, the Air Force is a family, an extension of people around me now and in the past," Ludwig said. "I know that so many people, so many Airmen I've been lucky enough to serve with, will continue to be there like family. We support and encourage each other in good times and bad and have a bond stronger than you might expect. Our common experiences and challenges have brought us together no matter where we're assigned." Ludwig officially retires in September, but he isn't exactly "leaping for joy at the prospect," he said, because "he loves the Air Force and serving this country so much." But, due to Congressional limits governing the time-in-service and number of chief master sergeants, he said it's time he made way for a new generation of Airmen. "The decision to leave the Air Force should not be taken lightly, Ludwig said. "It deserves serious consideration and has to be a family decision. "Each family and each situation is different and has to be evaluated with an open mind. I've advised some outstanding Airmen to move on because I felt it was right for them and their families. They key point here is that all Airmen have to be comfortable with where they'll be and who they'll be in 10, 20 or 30 years when they look back on their career and their lives." Airmen should strive to balance their personal goals with their desire to remain in uniform, he said. "Your unit and all you serve with can help you achieve your goals, but they have to understand what drives you," Ludwig said. "You have to listen to their advice in a way that moves you forward physically, mentally and emotionally." Airmen continuing to serve learn the most important career and life-lessons in challenging environments, he said. "If you don't get outside your comfort zone, your skills will never fully develop," Ludwig said. "You will never know when the Air Force is going to need more from you until a situation overtakes you." As the command chief, Ludwig has advised Airmen on professional and personal concerns and kept the Academy superintendent aware of their issues. "Serving here as the command chief has been an honor," he said. "Helping someone through a tough time is the most rewarding part of any leadership position. My most gratifying experience has been working on certain cadet issues to help us produce better officers and leaders. Coupled with that are the personal and professional individual challenges we've worked through. I wish everyone could have the opportunity to experience the sense of personal and professional satisfaction I've experienced here." The greatest challenge for any Academy leader is predicting the future when it comes to producing Air Force officers, Ludwig said. "Our nation and Air Force deserve the best we can give," he said. "I don't always think cadets realize how much impact they can have on a unit the moment they arrive as second lieutenants. They can be a very positive influence." Ludwig said he hopes Airmen know how much he appreciates and respects their service. "This is a team sport and their contribution to mission success is critical," he said. "Sometimes it's hard to link yourself with the bigger outcome, but the connection is there. We had about 670,000 Airmen when I enlisted, but our mission has changed and we are smaller and leaner. The nation still expects us to be the greatest Air Force in the world and I know we'll live up to this expectation through our commitment to each other and the core values and by doing what's right for the United States." Inspiration and influence Ludwig enlisted in June 1983 in his hometown of Hastings, Neb. His brother, Bill Ludwig - who served as an Air Force electronic warfare specialist at the time -- was one of his biggest inspirations when it came to making the decision to enlist. Since then, he's served in the precision measurement equipment laboratory, the personnel and Professional Military Education career fields, and as a group superintendent and command chief. By the time Ludwig made the Air Force a career, his idea of success was a promotion to master sergeant, he said. Later, though, he realized higher aspirations with a promotion to chief master sergeant in December 2004. He credits a long list of senior NCOs as the reason for his professional success. "As an Airman I had great leaders -- master sergeants who taught me so much, challenged me to do more, learn more, and be a better Airman," Ludwig said. "I had solid mentoring and supervisors who opened doors for me. I just kept saying 'yes' as the Air Force placed me in more positions of greater responsibility. The command chief opportunity is another door opened by those great mentors." He also cites several Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force who he said "provided constant inspiration": Paul Airey; Tom Barnes, Bob Gaylor, Sam Parish and Jim Binnicker, and other senior NCOs he knew personally: Terry Burgess, Audrey Thompson, Vickie Coleman, Clarence Brown, Ken Casey and Linda Hitchcock. "The list is too long to ever be complete, but these NCOs were so influential and they all set a standard of expectation and the right environment for me to excel," Ludwig said. But, he said, his greatest supporter and source of inspiration is Laurel Ludwig, his wife of 24 years. "I couldn't have been successful without her support," Ludwig said. "Combine that with a great extended family and I was always provided with encouragement and solid advice." Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson, the Academy superintendent, said the chief is the "quintessential command chief and Airman." "Chief Ludwig embodies the essence and the spirit of the Air Force and is a role model for us all," she said. "While I know he'll continue to do great things, he leaves behind a huge legacy. His profound concern for Airmen and his deep belief in doing what's right for the Academy and for the Air Force at all times have made him the best command chief I've ever had the pleasure of serving with. He's been a tremendous steward of the Academy and our Air Force. I wish Steve and Laurel the best as they embark on this chapter in their lives." Ludwig said Academy Airmen will remain close to his heart as he and Laurel move to Rockledge, Fla., where he'll teach at Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training in Satellite Beach, Fla. "My job satisfaction as the Academy's command chief has come mostly from watching the incredible dedication and service of my Air Force family here." he said. "Thankfully, I'll always be a part of the Academy no matter what I'm doing or where I live." Chief Master Sgt. Max Grindstaff is slated to become the Academy's next command chief.