JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, RANDOLPH – TEXAS -- Stepping off of the bus in June 1988, then trainee Dave Staton, like every Airman before him, started the first chapter on his Air Force journey at then Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, a place that would hold special significance to the now chief master sergeant, after an illustrious 29-year Air Force career that ultimately ends where it all began.
Finishing his career as the command chief for Air Education and Training Command, Staton reflected on his time at the First Command and l the Airmen who helped him get to where he is today.
“When I was in high school, I had no idea what I was going to do,” Staton said. “At the time, I had a friend who was joining the Air Force and he was telling me all about how great it was and I just remember thinking how good it all sounded.
“I walked into a recruiter’s office and said ‘I want a hat and a t-shirt, where do I sign?’”
Staton credits the successful start to his career with being afforded the opportunity to become a military training instructor and the experiences “pushing” flights at basic military training.
“Early on, I didn’t always have an ‘Airman for Life’ attitude,” Staton said. “When I first came in, I figured I would do my four years and separate. It wasn’t until I became an MTI that I saw how I could impact other people’s careers and lives. I fell in love with being an Airman and since then, I haven’t thought about anything else.”
Staton said he always felt a calling for something greater than just the chevrons on his sleeves. He said he always wanted to make a lasting impact on the lives of the Airmen he served alongside.
“As a young MTI, my Airmen would sometimes ask me why I do what I do,” Staton continued. “They saw the long hours and the days on end without breaks. They saw the sweat and the grit that you have to put in to build an Airman. Most importantly, I believe they saw my passion to serve my country. I would tell them that I do it because when my future grandchildren ask what I did in the Air Force, I want to be able to smile, look them in the eyes and tell them that I helped build something extraordinary.”
The chief also said he always had mentors telling him if he worked hard he could be a chief. “That was something that I wanted to work toward, but more than anything I wanted to be the best noncommissioned officer that I could be,” he said
“Investing in people and helping them become the best Airmen and individual they can be is something I am most proud of and what I hope my biggest impact on AETC has been.” Staton said.
“I am so grateful for the career that I’ve had, for the amazing people who have helped my family and I get to where we are today, and the opportunities that I’ve had. To culminate my career at AETC is amazing; I started out at Lackland as a trainee at BMT and now, I am ending my Air Force journey as the command chief of the First Command. It doesn’t fall short on me that not too many people get to come full circle like this - I wouldn’t change any of it for the world.”