Focus on the Force: Missile chef NCO keeps things cooking

  • Published
  • By Airman Cortney Hansen
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Staff Sgt. Chloe Martin, 10th Missile Squadron assistant non-commissioned officer in charge of missile chefs, provides Malmstrom's missile chefs with the perfect illustration of leading by example.

Although her day-to-day job consists of assisting the 10th Missile Squadron NCOIC of chefs with daily tasks like scheduling and training issues, once a month she deploys to the field to "stand in the shoes" of one of her regular missile chefs.

"I don't mind deploying out to the field as a missile chef because it allows me to see firsthand if there are any issues with the equipment in the kitchens or if the chefs need anything to make their job easier and, if needed, do any type of hands-on training," Sergeant Martin said.

She started her Air Force career as a missile chef deploying to the field, just as the Airmen she leads today. This is her second assignment to an Air Force Global Strike Command base. Her first assignment as an airman basic was to F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. She earned her airman, airman first class and senior airman ranks in this position and went on to work in Services for five years before arriving at Malmstrom last October. She worked as a missile chef here for only two months before being asked to take her current position.

"It helps me be a better leader since the missile chefs know that I can do the same job that they do," Sergeant Martin said referring to her previous experience as a chef. "Also, since I know the whole operation of being a missile chef, and how it is always changing, I stay proficient in my job. You can't lead behind a desk and expect Airmen to do something that you can't."

As assistant NCOIC of missile chefs, Sergeant Martin aids Tech. Sgt. Farrel Blake, the 10th MS chef NCOIC, with his everyday tasks.

"Sergeant Martin handles everything from scheduling, training and morale - basically anything that I can't pick up," Sergeant Blake said. "She's very keen on policies and nurturing with the Airmen. She always has to be close to the situation; she's a great leader."

Outside of work, Sergeant Martin volunteers at the Airman's Attic and has recently been trained as a victim's advocate. She said she enjoys volunteer work because it allows her to be a part of the community and her squadron/wing.

The Airman's Attic and victim's advocate spots are just the beginning of her volunteer work. She plans on getting more involved in the community once she is settled into her new home in Montana with her husband, Mark, and 2 year-old son, Tyler. Until then she plans to continue to excel in her position and become acquainted with the ways of Wing One.

"I truly appreciate what the 10th MS has done for me so far," Sergeant Martin said. "This has been the best experience for me as a staff sergeant and allows me to grow. Before, I was wondering if I was ready to become a tech. sergeant in the future, however, working as assistant NCOIC, I am growing more confident in my abilities daily."