CMEF farewell - A 30-year journey: Now back to the farm Published May 6, 2014 By Chief Master Sgt. Kevin J. Lambing Chief, Medical Enlisted Force WASHINGTON -- More than 30 years ago I made a decision which would change my life forever. That decision was an enlistment in the United States Air Force. I could have never known where that decision would take me and the blessings which would follow. From the Cold War to Desert Shield to Desert Storm, Operations Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and New Dawn, my life was changed forever. I believe I served in one of the greatest periods of our Air Force as my 30 years spanned the transition between analog and digital technologies. With this transition Air Force medicine grew immensely and our patients and the combatant commanders were benefactors of these amazing advancements. Along with technological advancements came stronger ties in our joint efforts. Across the globe today, our Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen serve side-by-side delivering world class healthcare to our Department of Defense beneficiaries. Great examples of this are the stand up of the Defense Health Agency and the enhanced multi-service markets, the Medical Education and Training Campus on Fort Sam Houston and the medical treatment facilities in our COCOMs. These examples are the way of the future as we capitalize on efficiencies and maintain the uniqueness of each of our service roles. We are better for our diversity in effort and thought. I had the great privilege of serving with amazing leaders from across the services and I know our momentum in this area will continue in the future. Over the past two years, I've worked side-by-side with an amazing team as I served as your CMEF and Enlisted Corps Chief. Faced with historic obstacles, this team made historic change happen and our Air Force is better for the change. There were fiscal cliffs, sequestration, force shaping measures, and many other terms unique to this time in our Air Force's history. Through it all we remain the globe's premier Air, Space and Cyber force. As such, we ensure the combatant commander is ready to launch the mission, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. No one goes in, or out, without medics! In July, Chief Master Sergeant Jason Pace will assume the position as the 7th Chief, Medical Enlisted Force. Chief Pace has been a strategic leader in our Air Force for many years and his selection is a testimony to years of proven leadership success. I had a chance to visit with the Chief and his family this spring and they are honored and humbled by this selection and the work ahead of them. I know they will accomplish great things for our Airmen and Air Force Medicine. On a personal note, Sheliea, Noah, Lydia and I had the pleasure of serving not only in the US but in the Pacific and European theaters as well. We were blessed and shaped by the cultural experiences we shared with so many in foreign lands and look forward to visiting life-long friends we made at each location. We will always be a part of the Air Force Medicine family and our home is always open to all of you as we head "back to the farm." Finally, a huge thank you to all those CMEFs who served before me and their willingness to answer the phone when I called for guidance. For my Wingman, Leader, Warrior boss, Lt Gen Tom "T2" Travis, thanks to you and Sally for your leadership in this unprecedented time in our nation. We in the Air Force are so blessed to have you leading us into the "wild blue yonder."