Command chief transitions to new air base wing

Airman 1st Class Nicole Spence
Kaiserslautern American


***image1***Chief Master Sgt. Tim Carroll has been serving Ramstein since August 2002, but will anything change now that he’s moved to the 435th Air Base Wing?
“The administrative load may have lessened, but the wing dynamics are still the same. Hopefully, this will give me more time to go out and visit folks,” said Chief Carroll, a native of Richmond, Va.
His hopes to mingle and interact with base airman on a one on one basis come as no surprise. He values a leader that listens and understands the things important to troops.
But what does he expect from his troops? Integrity, hands down.
“Integrity is the basis of everything we can do. If you have integrity to do what’s right, then you’ll do things to the best of your ability. Integrity leads to always doing what’s right to the best of your ability,” he said.
But airmen don’t have to stop there. There are many other things they can do to improve their chances of someday walking in the chief’s shoes.
“Airman should focus on the job they are doing right now. By being the best you can be at what you do, people will notice, and it’ll help you in the long run. As new opportunities show themselves, step up there and take them. Always look for those opportunities and the jobs that no one else wants to do – that is what will pay off in the end,” said the chief.
Working with other services is what sets Ramstein apart from other bases.
“Ramstein gives us the opportunity to get involved with a lot of other services. We’re big, but there’s structure. This place is unique, allowing us to see the full spectrum here. There are so many missions and elements, but it’s an honor and unique opportunity to serve here. Where else can you see and work hand in hand with our Allied Nations and partners in our world community?” said Chief Carroll.
But it’s the people, not the place that makes a good assignment, he added.
“I’ve learned that no matter where you’re at, the people make or break an assignment, and because of that, I’ve never had a bad assignment.”
With all his 23 years of experience, the chief asks members to take one thing above all else to heart.
“You have to take care of your families. The most important lesson I’ve learned is that we serve because of our families, not in spite of.”