Top 1% : 17th TRW Celebrates Chief Master Sgt. Inductees

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Evelyn J. D'Errico
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

“Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence In All We Do”, the core values of the world’s greatest Air and Space Force. 
The 17th Training Wing recognized two distinguished enlisted service members who have dedicated their careers to the betterment of Airmen and, by so doing, achieved the rank of chief master sergeant. The Goodfellow Air Force Base J9 Council hosted the 2025 Chief Master Sergeant Recognition Ceremony at the Col. Charles E. Powell Event Center, on March 14.
Chief Master Sgt. Brandon Abbott, 17th Training Group senior enlisted leader, and Chief Master Sgt. select Jessica Thompson, 17th Force Support Squadron senior enlisted leader, were honored as the 17th TRW newest chief inductees. 
The ceremony began with the introduction of the honorees, highlighting their accomplishments and contributions. After inductees were introduced they walked through the saber arch, a tunnel consisting of six other chief master sergeants holding up the sabers for honorees and their families to pass through. Followed by the national anthem and an invocation, reflecting the tone for the night’s purpose. Chief Master Sgt. retired Breana Oliver, 2025 Chief Recognition Ceremony guest speaker, gave the newly inducted chiefs inspiring words for the new milestone of their careers.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. select Jessica Thompson, 17th Force Support Squadron senior enlisted leader, holds her plaque in her hands during the 2025 Chief Master Sergeant Recognition Ceremony in the Powell Event Center at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 14, 2025. Thompson was accompanied by her husband and two sons at the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)

2025 Chief Recognition Ceremony

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. select Jessica Thompson, 17th Force Support Squadron senior enlisted leader, holds her plaque in her hands during the 2025 Chief Master Sergeant Recognition Ceremony in the Powell Event Center at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 14, 2025. Thompson was accompanied by her husband and two sons at the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)
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 A candle-lighting ceremony took place, symbolizing the different accomplishments a chief earns as they rise in the ranks. The event concluded with the presentation of mementos to the honorees, recognizing their achievements and leaving attendees with a lasting impression of the event.
The event brought together family, friends and colleagues of the inductees as they were publicly recognized for their dedication and commitment.
  “Becoming chief isn’t a small fleet,” said Chief Master Sgt. Stephanie Zengerle, 315th Training Squadron senior enlisted leader. “Your families are proud of you and your teammates are proud, it’s an honor.” 
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brandon Abbott, 17th Training Group senior enlisted leader, left, and Chief Master Sgt. select Jessica Thompson, 17th Force Support Squadron senior enlisted leader, stand at the position of attention during the reading of the Chief’s Creed at the 2025 Chief Recognition Ceremony in the Powell Event Center at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 14, 2025. The rank of chief master sergeant makes up only one percent of the Air Force’s enlisted personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)

2025 Chief Recognition Ceremony

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brandon Abbott, 17th Training Group senior enlisted leader, left, and Chief Master Sgt. select Jessica Thompson, 17th Force Support Squadron senior enlisted leader, stand at the position of attention during the reading of the Chief’s Creed at the 2025 Chief Recognition Ceremony in the Powell Event Center at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 14, 2025. The rank of chief master sergeant makes up only one percent of the Air Force’s enlisted personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)
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U.S. Air Force Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th Training Wing commander, left, Chief Master Sgt. Khamillia Washington, 17th TRW command chief, right, present Chief Master Sgt. Brandon Abbott, 17th Training Group senior enlisted leader, middle, with his plaque at the 2025 Chief Master Sergeant Recognition Ceremony in the Powell Event Center at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 14, 2025. Abbott is the principal advisor to the 17th TRG commander on all matters influencing joint and international military training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)

2025 Chief Recognition Ceremony

U.S. Air Force Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th Training Wing commander, left, Chief Master Sgt. Khamillia Washington, 17th TRW command chief, right, present Chief Master Sgt. Brandon Abbott, 17th Training Group senior enlisted leader, middle, with his plaque at the 2025 Chief Master Sergeant Recognition Ceremony in the Powell Event Center at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 14, 2025. Abbott is the principal advisor to the 17th TRG commander on all matters influencing joint and international military training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)
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U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brandon Abbott, 17th Training Group senior enlisted leader, walks through the saber arch as part of the 2025 Chief Recognition Ceremony in the Powell Event Center at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 14, 2025. Six service members lined up in pairs and made an arch with their sabers for the honorees to walk under before the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)

2025 Chief Recognition Ceremony

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brandon Abbott, 17th Training Group senior enlisted leader, walks through the saber arch as part of the 2025 Chief Recognition Ceremony in the Powell Event Center at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 14, 2025. Six service members lined up in pairs and made an arch with their sabers for the honorees to walk under before the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res