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Dobson Installed as Wing Command Chief

  • Published
  • By TSgt Dan Heaton
  • 127th Wing Public Affairs
SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. --  The 127th Wing has a new command chief master sergeant.

Chief Master Sgt. Robert Dobson assumed the duties of the wing's senior enlisted member during a formal ceremony during the March UTA of the wing. During the ceremony, the wing's outgoing command chief master sergeant, Keith Edwards, retired.

As the wing command chief, Dobson will serve as the primary advisor on all enlisted force issues for the wing commander, Brig. Gen. Michael Peplinski.

Dobson, who has served as the human resources advisor at Michigan National Guard state headquarters for the past several years, is a traditional member of the Guard who also has extensive experience in information technology and project management as a civilian. Peplinski said that type of experience, coupled with Dobson's military experience, will serve the wing well in the years ahead.

During his remarks in the formal ceremony, Dobson pledged to continue the work of continuously developing the skills and expertise of the wing's roughly 1,400 enlisted members.

"I promise to work with our commanders to continue to enhance the professionalism of the enlisted force to ensure mission success," Dobson said.

The new command chief will hold two enlisted calls during the April UTA to open a dialogue with enlisted members. Dobson said keeping communication flowing in both directions is critical to mission readiness.

Dobson served on active duty in the Air Force and as a member of the New York Air National Guard prior to becoming a member of the 127th Wing in 1996. He initially served in the wing in the information technology field before taking the wing human resources advisor position and then moving to state headquarters.

Peplinski also praised Edwards upon his retirement.

"You have left your finger prints on key issues that will be visible and from which the wing will continue to benefit for years to come," the general said.

Edwards, who also ceremoniously presented Dobson with his Blackberry device during his comments, encouraged the wing's Airmen to embrace the opportunities that service in the Air National Guard presents.

"It has been a unique opportunity and honor to serve as your command chief," he told the wing. "I encourage each of you to continue to strive for excellence, as you have been doing."