139th News

Ceremonies honor rank, command at Rosecrans

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
  • 139th Airlift Wing
ST. JOSEPH, MO. --  A busy training weekend at the 139th Airlift Wing here included a change in Security Forces leadership as well as promotions for two Airmen to the Air Force's upper ranks.

On Friday, Chief Master Sgt. Craig Phillips was promoted to the top enlisted rank.

His wife and daughters helped add the eighth stripe to his uniform in a ceremony at the Operations Briefing Room. The event was attended by St. Joseph Mayor Bill Falkner, senior leaders and Airmen from across Rosecrans.

"This is always a great day when we get to recognize people like Craig for the work that they do," said Phillip's boss, Col. David Halter, Operations Group commander.

Phillips works as the base's Airfield Operations Manager. He said he feels up to the challenge that his top enlisted rank brings. Members of the Chiefs' Association reminded him of a chief's unique core values and expectations before inducting him.

On Saturday, the 139th Security Forces Squadron called on Maj. Greg Roberts to look after them as their newest commander.

"Maj. Roberts has a wealth of experience that he brings to the squadron," said Col. Norman Brosi, Support Group commander. "I wish him well."

The squadron held the assumption of command ceremony at the base's dining facility.

Roberts graduated from Missouri Western State University with a master's in Management. He joined the Wing in 1986 as a security forces specialist. His last assignment was Equality Opportunity Officer.

The new commander said he will call on the Squadron's "outstanding" noncommissioned officers, who serve and deploy as a "unique group in the profession of arms."

"I will do my best to represent you and support you," said Roberts. "We will all strive to exceed expectations."

On Sunday, physician and Wing flight surgeon, Col. Terry Hall was promoted.

The ceremony included Hall's family, who pinned the rank to his uniform under the eyes of Rosecrans's medical personnel, Wing and State leadership.

"He is a leader, that you would want to be your boss," said Brig. Gen. Stephen Cotter, Assistant Adjutant General, Air for the Missouri National Guard.

Hall attended medical school at the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Medicine and graduated in 1981. He completed his residency training during active duty service at Scott Air Force Base Medical Center. He is currently the Chief of Staff and the Ambulance Medical Director for Harrison County Community Hospital.

"I have received such tremendous support that it has made me feel good about doing things here," said Hall after receiving his rank.

Hall joined the Air National Guard in 2004. In addition to serving as flight surgeon, he serves on the Medical Element, joint Homeland Response Force, FEMA Region VII.

"I hope to continue my service for some time," said Hall.