Barksdale officials host Charter Chief golden anniversary
December 8th, 2009
Exactly 50 years ago on Dec. 1, 1959, 625 Airmen were promoted and pinned as the first-ever chief master sergeants.
Called the Charter Chiefs, these Airmen secured their place in history as the first to wear the rank of chief master sergeant. Of the original promotees, less than 100 are still alive today. Eighteen of them and one honorary Charter Chief attended anniversary events in their honor on and off base here. The event was spearheaded by retired Chief Master Sgt. James Flaschenriem, a local resident and Charter Chief.
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