JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
When Chief Master Sgt. Stanley Cadell arrived at the 25th Air Force Headquarters for his new assignment, it was not his first time at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.
The chief, of course, did complete basic military training at this location, but he also served as the command chief for the 502nd Air Base Wing and JBSA. Cadell and his wife were excited to be assigned back to Texas.
“We love San Antonio,” said Cadell during his first week on the job. “They call it 'Military City USA,' and obviously it is. We really enjoyed the area and the people here, and we are truly excited to be a part of the team here at 25th Air Force.”
Cadell came to the Numbered Air Force from the Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, but began his career as a maintainer and spent 10 years as a first sergeant. His assignments have taken him to various places, stateside and overseas, to include the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy.
Cadell’s goal at the 25th AF is to help all Airmen do their best, without hindrances.
“I want to be there for our people, be their voice to not only 25th Air Force, but also to Air Combat Command and Headquarters Air Force, looking for areas where we can help remove obstacles,” he said. “I see my job as to help remove obstacles so people can do their job."
“I believe Airmen enter our Air Force looking for a job and great opportunities; they are very proud of their contributions and want to be part of something bigger than their selves,” he said, but sometimes they get frustrated when trying to work through bureaucratic processes.
“Wherever we can help remove obstacles and help people, so they can do their job better, faster, smarter and safer, we all win,” the chief said.
Cadell also wants to be sure Airmen know how important they are and how they contribute to the overall mission.
“Airmen are Airmen. They want to be able to do their job. They want to be able to know that what they are doing plays a bigger part in taking care of and defending our nation,” Cadell said. “The intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance community plays such an important part in that.”
The newest addition to the 25th Air Force’s leadership team recommends Airmen use their chain of command first, then they are welcome to ask him for advice or insight on an issue.
“I am here to help them break through barriers,” Cadell said. “Sometimes supervisors have tried their best and have run into roadblocks, and we can reach out and find other areas, other avenues to assist them. It is about providing our people the right training and resources to get the job done.”
While preparing for his new assignment at the 25th AF, Cadell was approached by leaders from around the Air Force with congratulations and one important question: ‘With the vast ISR mission sets, how does 25th Air Force come together to make it all happen?’
The question, the chief said, made him even more excited to be part of the 25th Air Force ISR team, bringing Airmen together and helping them make it happen.