10th Medical Group superintendent makes Command Chief Candidate list

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Hammes
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  The superintendent of the 10th Medical Group here was placed on the 2014 Command Chief Candidate list Oct. 1.

Chief Master Sgt. Stephanie D. Lewis was one of 124 selectees chosen out of 1,059 candidates after being nominated by Col. Stacey T. Hawkins, the 10th Air Base Wing commander, and Col. Walter M. Matthews, 10th MDG commander.

"To have my group commander, Colonel Matthews, and to have our wing commander, Colonel Hawkins, show they have the confidence in me and that they feel I have what it takes to serve at that level, that's the most important thing to me," Lewis said. "Outside of taking care of my Airmen, there's nothing more important than having the confidence and faith of your bosses."

Hawkins said he feels his faith in Lewis is more than warranted.

"This selection is a testimony to Chief Lewis' talents, her ability to lead and all that she does for the 10th Medical Group, the Academy and the Air Force," he said. "Chief Lewis epitomizes the character and service before self our nation expects in today's Airmen. She's the perfect leader to assume the responsibilities of a command chief and, speaking on behalf of the entire 10th ABW, we all wish her the best. I look forward to hearing about Chief Lewis' future success and accomplishments."

While Lewis said she is honored by the recognition, she values this acknowledgement in part because it offers a chance to further mentor Airmen and show them what is possible.

"The biggest thing for me is to not let anyone down," she said. "I think that every step I take I'm supposed to bring somebody with me. I feel proud I've been able to make the most out of what the Air Force has offered. And it's out there for anyone who wants to get ahead."

Along with the other 123 selectees, Lewis will remain eligible for a command chief position until the results of the 2015 list are released next year.