JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-Randolph, Texas -- During a June 8 retirement ceremony conducted at the Religious Activities Center here, nine enlisted Reserve Citizen Airmen executed a distinctive flag ceremony to honor retiring Chief Master Sgt. Jimmie D. Morris, 340th Flying Training Group superintendent, following nearly 30 years of selfless service to his nation.
Former 340th FTG Commander Col. Roger Suro, now the 442nd Fighter Wing commander, officiated the ceremony, sharing stories and experiences that by turns drew laughter and tears from an audience composed of guests from every area of Morris’ life, including mom Cheryl, wife Esmerlinda and son Zachary.
A strong advocate of wingmanship, tradition and history, the chief characteristically made his special day about others. Scheduling his ceremony during the mandatory unit training assembly enabled him to share the significance of the ceremony with his unit. During his comments, he asked guests for 10 seconds of silence to reflect on and honor those who helped them in their lives.
Not surprisingly, many guests said they used those 10 seconds to consider the impact the chief had on their lives, and to honor him for that.
Morris enlisted in the Air Force in October 1988, and attended the Air Force administration course at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, following graduation from basic military training.
The chief served as an information management specialist, a professional military education instructor, a military training manager, a personnelist, a project manager and more at installations across the country, earning accolades from commanders, peers and subordinates throughout his service.
His decorations include the Air Force Recognition Ribbon, Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leave cluster, Air Force Commendation medal with three oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with one silver leaf cluster (for a total of six MSMs).
In addition to his military decorations, the chief was named administrator of the year, earned senior airman via below the zone promotion, was selected for staff sergeant through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program, was selected for technical sergeant through the promotion enhancement program, was named noncommissioned officer of the year and senior NCO of the year several times at different levels, and more.
A proponent of education as a development tool, the chief attended every level of enlisted PME, holds two associate degrees (one in psychology and the other in information management), and earned his bachelor of psychology and master of counseling degrees.
Citing his four tenets of leadership, the chief reminded guests that the seeds they sow will determine the harvest they reap, and reinforced his belief that the mission can only be accomplished through relationships carefully and honestly developed over time.
“Take care of your Airmen, and they will take care of the mission,” the chief advised.
Having put his uniform aside, Morris - a man of deep faith - will continue to serve others through countless personal and professional relationships. His initial plans are to support his wife, whose support for the past three decades enabled him to excel in his service, and continue to encourage his son, a commercial pilot.
For more photos of the chief's farewell luncheon and retirement ceremony, go to https://flickr.com/photos/340ftg/albums/72157692165821520.