JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. --
The 315th Airlift Wing celebrated the conclusion of the career of its command chief Saturday during a retirement ceremony held at the Charleston Club here.
Chief Mark Barber, the Wing’s top enlisted leader, retired after a career spanning more than three decades of service.
“After all these years I stand before you with deep humility and pride,” Barber said. “Humility in those that came before me, in pride in wearing this uniform, and what a privilege it is to wear this uniform.”
Barber, originally from Lenoir, North Carolina, started his career in 1985 with the 354th Aircraft Generation Squadron at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, South Carolina.
There, he held the position of assistant crew chief and weapons system coordinator until 1989 when he transitioned into the Reserve here.
In his Reserve career, Barber rose through the ranks and served as a first sergeant for three different squadrons and one group.
Along that route, Barber amassed a number of top-tier accolades.
Upon graduation from the Air Force Reserve’s first sergeant academy in 2001, Barber was awarded the Distinguished Graduate Academic Achievement Award.
In 2009, he was selected as the 315th AW, 22nd Air Force and Air Force Reserve Command’s First Sergeant of the Year. Also a scholar, that same year Barber earned his doctorate of education in educational leadership degree from Appalachian State University.
Culminating those accomplishments, Barber was selected as the 315th AW command chief where he’s served since 2015.
“Ladies and gentlemen, he is an awesome leader and I couldn’t do this job without him,” said Col. Gregory Gilmour, 315th Airlift Wing commander. “Chief Barber embodies our corps values of integrity, service and excellence. He made me better, he made this Wing and Air Force better, and we’ll miss his leadership here at the 315th AW.”
In his parting words, Barber challenged the host of friends, family and servicemembers in the crowd to continue striving to get better each day, encouraging them to be people of respect, integrity and responsibility. Also, to be loyal and have the highest level of character.
Having those qualities, success soon follows after, Barber said.
With a service career behind him, Barber said that he is thankful for each opportunity he was given to lead and develop the next generation of leaders, and that he wishes the 315th AW well as it continues carrying on the mission.
“It’s been a privilege and thank you for the opportunity to serve as your command chief. It is the highest honor,” Barber said. “Mere words can’t express how I feel and how much respect and admiration for each of you here. May God bless you, our country and our United States Air Force.”