192nd Fighter Wing welcomes new Command Chief Master Sergeant

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Johnisa B. Roberts
  • 192nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The 192nd Fighter Wing selected Chief Master Sgt. Michael J. Bouley as the new Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant. Bouley, former superintendent of the 192nd Maintenance Group, assumed his new position on Jan. 1, 2015 at Joint Base Langely-Eustis. Bouley replaced Chief Master Sgt. Jay Ellis, who was appointed as the State Command Chief Master Sergeant for the Virginia Air National Guard. The role of 192nd FW's command chief master sergeant is to serve as the senior advisor to unit commanders and staff on mission effectiveness, professional development, military readiness, training, and utilization, while centering focus on the morale and welfare of the wing's enlisted airmen.

"I've had the pleasure of working with Chief Bouley for many years now, we were both part of the initial group to transition to Langley nine years ago," said Col. Bob Grey, 192nd Fighter Wing commander. "There is no one, probably in the entire Air National Guard, with more first-hand experience working in a total force integration environment. He understands the unique strengths of the 192nd FW and the challenges of this environment, and has been an integral part in rebuilding our organization and making it successful."

This position is very similar to those Bouley has held in the past, but on a much larger scale. However, Bouley said he is looking forward to a closer working relationship with the rest of the wing.

"The 192nd FW has led the way in transforming the Air Force into a total force [by] maximizing our capabilities," said Bouley. "Readiness, encompassing medical, AFSC training, professional military education, and the mental and physical health of our warriors, is my priority," said Bouley. "I stand by ready to assist any and all of our senior leaders in this task."

"Chief Bouley has always risen to the top in any endeavor he has been involved in. I am confident in his ability and look forward to working with him in the future," said Ellis.

Bouley entered the Air National Guard in 1989 after serving four years active duty in the U.S. Air Force. He joined the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, as a Jet Engine Intermediate Maintenance guardsman, working on the F-16A/B aircraft. In 1991, the Virginia Air National Guard was converting to F-16C/D aircraft and hired Bouley to support the transition to the new aircraft.

During his time in the ANG, Bouley has volunteered for many stateside and overseas deployments including Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Provide Comfort, Operation Noble Eagle, and multiple exercises including Red Flags, Maple Flags, Combat Hammers and Combat Archers. In 2006, Bouley also facilitated the first Air National Guard fighter wing integration effort with the 1st FW and the 192nd FW maintenance teams at JBLE.

"I am proud of the 192nd FW and the members who continue to prove the Virginia ANG is ready, willing and able to engage in the fight," said Bouley.

Bouley received his promotion to chief master sergeant on July 11, 2006. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct medal, National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star, Air Force Longevity Service, Governors National Service Medal, and the Virginia National Guard Perfect Attendance Ribbon with five devices.

"You don't think of yourself when you make it to chief, you're thinking of everyone else," he said. "This extra star means I have a new job, the only difference from when I was a staff sergeant or an airman first class is, is I am now responsible for our entire wing," said Bouley. "What's important to me, is just how I can help each of our members reach their full potential."