VIENNA Reservist from 910th takes 4th Air Force job
VIENNA -- Command Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Kirkland, a member of the 910th Airlift Wing for 32 years, has been promoted to command chief master sergeant of the 4th Air Force, with headquarters at March Air Force Base, Riverside, Calif.
The 4th Air Force consists of 13 Reserve units in the United States, ranging from Dayton to Hawaii and Alaska.
Command chief master sergeant is the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force. As such, Kirkland will work directly with the unit's commanding officer as a representative of enlisted personnel.
In his new assignment, Kirkland will have overall responsibility for the general welfare and needs of about 25,000 enlisted personnel of the 4th Air Force.
During his two years as command chief of the 910th, he represented about 1,000 enlisted personnel. He began his career with the 910th as an airman assigned to supply and was a medical technician for 20 years.
He was deployed stateside for three months during Desert Storm. He will be relieved of his duties as command chief master sergeant at the 910th at the end of December. His replacement has not been announced.
His background
Kirkland, 51, retired in 1999 after 30 years with Newton Falls, where he was utilities superintendent, and for his last seven years, city manager.
Kirkland graduated from Newton Falls High School in 1969 and received an associate degree from Community College of the Air Force.
He and his wife, Debra, and three children, Dana, Matthew, and Denny, live in Howland, where his new assignment will allow him to continue to live.
Kirkland said he will remain a traditional reservist, working 15-20 days a month. He is scheduled to retire in 31/2 years.
He said he is honored to be chosen for one of the most prestigious positions offered in the Air Force and is looking forward to the challenge.