Newly promoted Chief Master Sergeant, Blake Talley, at McConnell Air Force Base, discusses three of his nine promises he made to his unit. They include communicating openly and transparently with the "three T's" of timing, tone, and temperature; remaining flexible where it serves the mission while holding firm on non-negotiables like integrity and professionalism; and looking for talent where others may only see potential. Chief Vásquez challenges Chief Talley to practice these principles over the next month and assess his progress, suggesting they could do a follow-up interview to discuss the results.

Chief Vásquez and Chief Al Thompson focus his career transition from the Air Force to teaching Junior ROTC to his current role as a regional director for the program. Al shares his experiences and the impact of working with young students, emphasizing the importance of integrity, servant leadership, and modeling behavior as key qualities of a good chief. They discuss the requirements and benefits of becoming a JROTC instructor, including pay structure and eligibility, and the program's focus on building citizenship and character rather than military recruitment.

Dr. Joe Sanders is a leadership development expert, speaker, author, and mentor with a deep passion for developing leaders of character. A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, he formerly served as Director of the Center for Character and Leadership Development at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He was the Squadron Commander of the 320th Training Squadron at Lackland AFB, TX, as well as Commander of the 64th Expeditionary Support Squadron in Saudi Arabia. His father is a retired USAF Senior Master Sergeant, and his mother keeps everyone in line.

Dr Sanders is the author of Unreasonable Responsibility, a powerful call for leaders to embrace their influence and make meaningful impact. He currently serves as CEO of Colorado UpLift, teaches as an adjunct professor at UCCS, and is the founder of Touchstone Leadership Academy, equipping leaders in underserved communities. His motto is “I serve so that others may lead.”

CMSgt Kimbell is the Senior Enlisted Leader at the 423d Security Forces Squadron, RAF Alconbury, United Kingdom. He leads 139 personnel performing security operations for 4,900 personnel across four United Kingdom installations.

CMSgt Kimbell was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and entered the Air Force on 24 August 2004. He served as a Security Forces member until 2023, when he was selected for a special duty as an Instructor for the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy.

HE LOVES HIS FAMILY!

Chief and JR Lyda, a retired command chief, conduct a wide-ranging conversation about military culture and leadership, particularly focusing on how foundational principles have evolved over time. JR shares his 30-year military career and current work with McDonald's, emphasizing how military members receive unique education and leadership development from day one that differs from corporate training. Both reflect on changes in military culture and the importance of maintaining foundational leadership principles despite organizational changes. They agree that while military traditions and protocols continue to evolve, the core values of teamwork, respect, and leadership development remain essential.

t Col Shawn “Happy” Green is an officer in the United States Space Force. He graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 2007. Originally from Valatie, New York, he graduated from Ichabod Crane High School in 2002. One of Chief Bob Vásquez’ most favorite protégés, he has commanded twice: as a deployed squadron commander for the 17th Expeditionary Space Control Squadron, and as the 527th Space Aggressor Squadron to train US, joint, and allied space forces to fight through a contested environment against a thinking adversary. Happy is a perpetual optimist and passionate leader who believes that as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Lt Col Green first met Chief Vásquez on the Academy terrazzo as a fourth-class cadet and considers him a trusted advisor, mentor, lifelong friend, ruggedly handsome battle buddy, and big brother in leadership.

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Brown is the

Commander, 318th Recruiting Squadron,

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. As the commander, he

leads a highly skilled team of 79 recruiters and support

personnel tasked with inspiring, engaging, and recruiting

health professions and line officers from a 1.2 million

square mile area of responsibility encompassing 21

Northeastern states, the District of Columbia, and

Europe.

Lt Col Brown received his commission in 2009 through

ROTC at Norwich University. As an Intelligence Officer,

he has served in various analysis and leadership roles

within the career field. He has also served as permanent

party at the US Air Force Academy. Prior to Command

tour, Lt Col Brown was the Chief of the East Europe

Branch, International Affairs Division at US Air Forces

Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Rochelle Hemingway is a retired U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant, CEO and Founder of SLAY To Success®️, and a transformational speaker dedicated to helping leaders elevate their visibility, influence, and impact. During her 30-year Air Force career, she served as a senior enlisted advisor, mentoring and advocating for thousands of Airmen while helping commanders lead through complex challenges and organizational change. Today, Rochelle combines the leadership lessons she learned as a Command Chief with her expertise in executive presence, personal branding, and leadership development. Through SLAY To Success®, she empowers professionals to lead with confidence, authenticity, and purpose while building a legacy that extends far beyond their titles.