Farewell Chief Nordel Published Jan. 19, 2010 By Senior Airman Emerald Ralston 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. - -- Team Fairchild's top enlisted leader will be packing up and shipping out to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, at the end of the month to take up a position as Chief of the Air Logistics Center there, as well as Command Chief for the 75th Air Base Wing. While Hill will be gaining a valuable asset in Chief Master Sgt. David Nordel, Fairchild will be reluctantly letting go of him as the 92nd's current Command Chief. Chief Nordel has spent much of his time at Fairchild helping orchestrate numerous projects and efforts such as the Air Force's very first Single Airmen's Summit, working with Congress to acquire funding for a new gym and, perhaps most importantly, helping pave the way for Total Force Integration. These efforts led to his recognition before the House of Representatives Jan. 11 by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. "I thank Chief Nordel, his wife Pat and their two children - they are a true Air Force Family and I salute the entire family for their continued commitment, sacrifice and contribution to this great nation," said Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers in her address. Chief Nordel made a point to say that while he helped with these efforts, he accomplished none of them alone, highlighting the importance of teamwork and group effort involved in getting things done. One of the Chief's fondest memories was the air show that took place when he first arrived at Fairchild. "I got a chance to meet almost every Airman [at that event]; almost everyone was involved in that air show," he said. "I love spending time with the Airmen and just listening." The Chief said listening was one of the most important leadership and communication skills one can have and being encouraged to learn that skill was the best advice he has received in his career. "Listening is the most difficult communication skill to develop; if you can't do that you're hampered as a leader, as a follower... in a lot of ways - you have to be able to listen." Over his 25 years in the Air Force, so far, Chief has developed as a leader through his experiences. "I don't think anything has changed about me, you just get more refined over the years," he said. "Your educational experiences, mentorship, life experiences, job experiences - those types of things. I would say I'm the same person I was 25 years ago, but I've had opportunities to work on my weaknesses and get stronger in those areas, get better at what I was already good at and acquire new abilities to lead." While Chief looks forward to the new challenges and making an impact on the Airmen awaiting him at Hill, he said he will miss some of the unique challenges posed by Fairchild, including TFI, and he will also miss the friendships he has formed both at Fairchild and in the local community. As a parting message to Team Fairchild, Chief Nordel made a point to say 'thank you.' "Thank you for all your hard work and support," he said. "Command Chiefs are only as effective as the Airmen will let him or her be. Please be as supportive of the next Chief as you were for me!"