LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Listening to Chief Master Sgt. Jay Simon, 37th Training Wing command chief, his passion for Airmen comes through loud and clear.
When he talks about the enlisted corps, especially the younger Airmen, the sound of his voice and the smile on his face say it all. And that's after only two days on the job.
Chief Simon's first day in his new assignment was Sept. 10, replacing Chief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis, who moved to the newly activated 502nd Air Base Wing at Fort Sam Houston as command chief.
"This is a very humbling achievement," said the 25-year veteran. "I'm excited and honored."
Almost two and a half years ago, Chief Simon jumped at the chance to join the 344th Training Squadron as chief enlisted manager after spending two years in the Inspector General directorate.
That led to three months as 37th Training Group superintendent before being elevated to command chief.
"Tech training was perfect for me as far as what I like to do, and that's take care of Airmen," Chief Simon said. "When I worked with IG, I didn't have the exposure to Airmen and I missed it.
"(After moving to tech training) I was with hundreds and hundreds of Airmen where I could help lay the foundation and get them started in their careers."
The chief said timing, luck and faith all had a role in being selected to his new post. It was appropriate he was told of his selection as the next 37th TRW command chief on a special day.
"On my birthday, Colonel Mott (Col. William Mott V, 37th Training Wing commander) said, 'you're my guy,'" said Chief Simon. "It erased any doubt I had about being a command chief. I was comfortable with him. He's a great leader and he knows my passion for Airmen."
Passion is one of the new command chief's strengths and he intends to use it. He plans to spend time focusing on the younger Airmen, airman basic through technical sergeant, encouraging them to reach their potential through professional development. That will include preparation for joint training and assignments with other military services.
In addition to championing the Lackland enlisted corps, another interest for Chief Simon is the officers and the civilian workforce.
"In my opinion, the civilians are the continuity of the Air Force," he said. "The civilians are going to serve 30 or 40 years, and they are the glue that helps keep training going in this command.
"A lot of enlisted cross over to the officer corps and they seek guidance as well. I think a good officer wants to understand more about the enlisted force. Why not get it from our chiefs, first sergeants and even some of our tech sergeants who have been doing their job a long time?
"If I can champion that message to our civilians and our officers, and not only help them but assist with whatever needs they may have, I'm here for them, not just the enlisted force."
When Chief Simon says he has an open door policy, he says it with conviction.
"I want people to come talk to me," he said. "The only time my door is closed is if I have to have a private discussion with someone in my office. I want to be visible and hands-on, but not in your business. I want to be involved.
"My message to NCOs is this: it is your wing. Help me take it to another level, because not one man or one woman can do it alone. It takes a team. And collectively, the senior NCOs and chiefs can do that because it is our airmen basic through master sergeants, civilians and officers who will benefit."