Senior NCO Academy welcomes new commandant Published Aug. 7, 2009 By Jessica Casserly Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Chief Master Sgt. Alexander "Alex" D. Perry assumed leadership of the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy July 21 as the 17th commandant and the 11th enlisted commandant. Chief Perry said he was "shocked" to learn of his selection from a group of about 12 nominees to serve as the next SNCOA commandant. "I have great respect for this institution," Chief Perry said. "It is an incredible place with a team of great people and I am humbled and honored to have this opportunity." "This is a very prestigious position to which few are nominated," said Chief Master Sgt. Scott A. Kilbride, Senior Enlisted Leader to the Barnes Center for Enlisted Education. It takes a person with proven roles in leadership, strong communication skills and the highest professional conduct to fill the position, said Chief Kilbride. Though selecting just one chief from the outstanding group of nominees was tough, Chief Kilbride said the personal connection Chief Perry made during his telephone interview with Barnes Center Commander Col. Charles W. Johnson allowed them to make a final decision. "Chief Perry is a proven leader," said Chief Kilbride. "His quiet determination, positive attitude and love of the Air Force make him a great fit for this position." Chief Perry believes the people and experiences from his 23 year Air Force career have prepared him for this position. "There are so many people and things that have shaped my career," said Chief Perry. Stocking shelves at a grocery store as a teenager, Chief Perry said he'd never considered an Air Force career until a co-worker joined and encouraged him to see a recruiter. "I was only 17 and my parents had to sign my delayed enlistment paperwork," Chief Perry said, "but it was the best decision I have ever made." Chief Perry said his experiences in the medical career field, the four years he spent as a first sergeant, his time as a technical training instructor, his time a squadron and group superintendent, as well as serving as a wing command chief shaped him as a leader and prepared him to be the SNCOA commandant. Coming from Keesler AFB, where he served as the 81st Training Wing command chief, Chief Perry said his position advising the commander was great preparation for the role of commandant. "I was an advocate for the enlisted Airmen at Keesler as the command chief and now I will be the advocate for the SNCOA and our students," Chief Perry said. "Being the command chief taught me how important it is to get to know the people I am representing," Chief Perry said. "I like to get out from behind the desk and get to know the grass roots of an organization I'm representing." Though he's only been on station since mid-July, Chief Perry said he is already impressed by the SNCOA staff. "They work with the attitude that everyone is important to the team and no one person is better than another," said Chief Perry. Chief Perry hopes this attitude will make an impression on SNCOA students. "I want them to know how important their role as Senior NCOs is and how much power they have to be leaders," Chief Perry said. Chief Perry said he hopes SNCOA students are bettered by their time at the Academy. "I want them to get a lot out of the experience, have fun learning and make the connections with their peers that will serve them well when they return to their units," Chief Perry said. "My goal is to deliver them back to the field with relevant information." Though he hasn't had a chance to sit down with Colonel Johnson and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy to formalize his goals and plans as commandant, Chief Perry said he wants to incorporate his personal work ethic of teamwork and balance between the mission and family. For Chief Perry, his family is a source of pride and the most important thing in life. "My children are what stand out, that's what it's all about," Chief Perry said. His son Tyler will be attending Mississippi State this fall to major in engineering, his son Aaron will be entering 10th grade and his daughter Barrett will be starting 3rd grade. With support from his family and his Air Force experiences, Chief Perry is ready to focus on his new position. "If I could give advice to the enlisted Airmen throughout the Air Force, I would tell them to have faith in the leaders above them and focus on the mission in front of them," Chief Perry said. "That has been my work ethic throughout my career. I have learned to focus on now and do the best I can at each level and as a result opportunities have come. I want to take care of the institution, the staff and faculty and be the best I can be as the SNCOA commandant," said Chief Perry. "I believe Chief Perry will have a positive impact during his time at the Academy," said Chief Kilbride. "He brings the attributes and capabilities needed to take the SNCOA to the next level."