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Serving has been the 'greatest reward'

  • Published
  • By Christa D'Andrea
  • Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  When Vance Clarke wakes each morning, he turns toward his wife and gently reaches over and touches her -- a reminder as to why he continues to get out of bed each and every day at 4:30 a.m., dresses and heads to work.

For the Air Force Recruiting Service command chief, his wife, Pam, represents why he chose to support and defend the Constitution for the past 30 years.

"My wife is what's most important to me and no one is getting past me to get her," Chief Master Sgt. Clarke said.

"Someone has to stand between the flag and the enemy," he added. "There are a lot of people willing to step up and defend what they love and she is the reason I continue to serve."

On May 14, the six-time command chief retires from the U.S. Air Force.

The chief enlisted in July 1980 for what was supposed to be a four-year stint. While completing his second year in community college, the chief said his friends were all heading to a four-year university and "seemed to know what they wanted to do."

"I felt I may need some time to grow and truly decide what I wanted to do," the chief said. "I thought four years in the military might be a good option to help me grow and decide."

Following basic training graduation in August 1980, the young Airman headed for training as an Inventory Management Specialist or as he describes himself -- "a supply guy."

His first assignment came as a surprise to him.

"I thought I was heading to Nebraska for my first assignment," he said. "When I received my assignment it said Camp New Amsterdam, NE. I was sure that stood for Nebraska. Come to find out it was the Netherlands."

The chief spent his first two years there as a demand processing clerk for the 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron and then headed to Civil Engineering Materiel Control at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. Four years turned to eight and at that point he and Pam decided they were going to make the Air Force at least a 20-year career.

"Every two years since we have thought we would be retiring but the Air Force kept offering us positions to serve and we stepped up and took them," he said. "I continued to serve because it was fun and had value beyond belief."

Chief Clarke said being a command chief has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his career. With nearly 10 years as a command chief in four different major commands, "I have experienced more than one person could possibly hope for in a single career," he said.

As the AFRS command chief, he is the principal advisor to the recruiting commander on the health, morale, welfare and discipline of 2,279 enlisted Airmen.

"AFRS has been a phenomenal way to end my career," he said. "I only hope I have made a small difference in the men and women I have come in contact with."

Having served in 16 assignments over a 30-year career, Chief Clarke has met a lot of people and seen a lot of change but there has been one constant in his Air Force life.

"There are many people who have had important impacts on my career ... bosses, fellow enlisted leaders and civilians," he said. "I would have to say my wife has had the greatest impact as she has been the one who kept me grounded and always reminded me that I could do it if I worked hard enough."

However, the son of a career Coast Guardsman says he has learned something of value from everyone he has come in contact with throughout his career -- from his first supervisor, Sergeant Tony Williamson, who taught him to ensure "my supervisors know my desires," to his last supervisor, Brig. Gen. A.J. Stewart, AFRS commander, who showed him that "attitude is contagious and that inspiring people was vital to our Air Force's success."

The chief added that it is "truly the people whom I have come in contact with that have made me enjoy what we do."

Chief Clarke said while the rate at which things change has been significant, "the quality of the people I've been able to serve with has remained high."

He added the way the Air Force takes care of families and the improved educational benefits have been the most positive changes since his beginnings as a young Airman.

"Who would have thought that education benefits could've improved?" he asked. "The ability to transfer GI Bill benefits to family members as well as to continue to get tuition assistance while serving couldn't be better. I am very pleased to see how our nation has reacted to ensure our servicemembers' sacrifices are honored."

During his tenure as the recruiting command chief, Chief Clarke has had the opportunity to speak with hundreds, if not thousands, of new and potential applicants. He never missed an opportunity to talk to someone about his great Air Force.

"I would tell anyone that if you are not sure of what you want to do and are not sure how you will do it, that the Air Force is a great option," he said. "The benefits while serving, coupled with what you can do with education and other benefits upon separation are all awesome."

He is quick to remind people though these are challenging times and that 75 percent of American youth ages 17 to 21 are not eligible to serve in any military service.

When asked what advice he'd give a young person today about joining the Air Force he said, "I would ask them to ensure they are aware of standards and how to keep their options open to be able to join the military, and especially, the Air Force. Doing things to keep you eligible will only result in good things in your life. Stay ready, stay focused and make a decision that will benefit you."

Behind every new applicant is a recruiter who has engaged and inspired them about enlisting. Chief Clarke strongly believes that the relationships recruiters build with their applicants is making a huge difference in how our Air Force sees recruiters.

"They [recruiters] are changing attitudes one applicant at a time," he said.

He does want to leave one piece of advice for his recruiting force.

"Remember that you are entrusted with our nation's treasure ... its sons and daughters. Remember that as a recruiter you are about changing lives and not just getting people to join. Never sacrifice integrity for goal."

Chief Clarke has accepted employment in the defense industry and is looking forward to serving his nation in another capacity.

"It is time for me to hand over the direct responsibility of defending our nation to faster, better, brighter women and men," he said. "It has been an honor and a blast serving our nation in the Air Force. I believe that no matter how hard I have worked I have still received more from the Air Force than I could have possibly given, and that the people I've worked with and helped over the years have been the greatest reward I could have."

Besides working for the defense industry, the former command chief plans to take up fishing and become more involved in the local community, private organizations and in church. More importantly, he'll be able to spend more time at home with "the love of my life," the chief said.