4 Academy NCOs selected for promotion to chief Published Nov. 20, 2014 By Ray Bowden U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Four Academy NCOs reached the top of the enlisted ladder, the Air Force Personnel Center announced Nov. 20, when it released its latest chief master sergeant-selects list. Academy chief-selects are Senior Master Sgts. Carlos Cordova of the Academy Preparatory School, James Gray of the 10th Medical Operations Squadron, Shadd McKee of the 10th Security Forces Squadron and Gail Tucker of the Academy Band. Chief master sergeant is the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force. Chiefs typically lead all enlisted personnel within their unit or squadron, while others take staff functions at higher headquarters, advising enlisted Airmen, commanders and senior officers. "Making chief doesn't mean you've made it to the top in all ways; rather it signifies a point where you begin to focus all of your energies on getting those around you promoted," said Chief Master Sgt. Max Grindstaff, the Academy's command chief. "Entering the top 1 percent is a significant milestone, (so) savor it ... The real reward comes from paying it forward the rest of your career." Grey, a self-professed "military brat," calls Colorado Springs home. He cited his father, retired Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Grey, as a lifelong inspiration. "I always wanted to be a chief like him, so it's an exciting day for my family," he said. Cordova, a Denver native, said the support of his family led to his successful career. "I do everything I do for my family, and they're the number 1 reason I've been successful," he said. "I grew up in the projects in Denver. My first assignment was Lowry Air Force Base; I got there as a 'slick sleeve' (airman basic) and I remember putting on that first stripe." Airmen dreaming of promotion to chief should do two things, Cordova said. "Work hard and take care of your people," he said. "If you do that, everything else will be taken care of." McKee, of Solon Springs, Mich., said reaching the top of the Air Force's enlisted tier is difficult to grasp. "It's surreal - I can't really explain it right now," he said. Tucker is from Hollidaysburg, Penn. "I am honored and blessed to be on this list but I felt the weight of responsibility right away," she said. "I've had so many wonderful mentors who pushed me during my career. I absolutely could not have been (selected for chief) without their support or the support of my family. All Airmen should focus on their career to the best of their abilities and be effective, caring leaders, Tucker said. "Taking care of your people is paramount," she said. "Taking care of Airmen means always being cognizant of what is occurring in their lives, being there for them and making sure they have a support system. If your Airmen are not supported, they can't do their jobs." Of 2,525 senior master sergeants eligible for promotion to chief, 479 were selected, according to AFPC. Visit https://mypers.af.mil for more information.