Cannon chief calls it a career Published July 11, 2007 By Airman Elliott Sprehe 27th Fighter Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Many Airmen who join today's Air Force probably don't concern themselves very much about the experiences of those who might have joined before they were born. But when you see Chief Master Sgt. Marcel Mousseau, 27th Maintenance Group superintendent, you're reminded of the respect due to senior enlisted members, for the time they have given to their country. Originally from Rhode Island, Chief Mousseau joined the Air Force in 1978 in the hopes of completing four years and then going back to college. Near the end of his first enlistment, his supervisor at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, convinced him to put in an application to come be an instructor at Lowry AFB, Colo. "I was there for approximately five years and at that point I started thinking, 'maybe I'll make this a career,'" said Chief Mousseau. At Osan AFB, Korea, Chief Mousseau put in to be a first sergeant, which he would end up being for about 10 years until he arrived at Cannon AFB three years ago. "I made chief as a first sergeant," said Chief Mousseau. "Over the course of my 29 years, I enjoyed being a first sergeant more than anything." "I wanted to retire as a first sergeant." As a first sergeant he found himself in Iraq in 2003 for Operation Task Force Viking to help seal off the northern escape routes. He then returned to Balad Air Base, Iraq, as the 732nd Mission Support Group superintendent. "Our job was to take care of all the Air Force guys that did 'in lieu of jobs' for the Army," said Chief Mousseau. Enlisting from Rhode Island, Chief Mousseau has not been stationed east of the Mississippi River since joining in 1978. "My biggest exposure has been to other parts of the country and to people from all walks of life," said Chief Mousseau. "That's probably the biggest thing, is having the opportunity to deal with people from different parts of the country." Being stationed in Germany was also an experience for the chief and his family. "My kids didn't know what a Wal-Mart was until we flew into Albuquerque," said Chief Mousseau. "But they adapted pretty quick when they got back." After 29 years in the Air Force, one of the things the chief will miss is the camaraderie between the people. As a shirt, getting helping people back on track with their jobs was something he enjoyed as well, he said. A career that took him throughout the world gives the chief an international perspective few others have. "People need to focus on what they're afforded at each location, what opportunities they have," said the chief. "Have a good attitude about what you're doing." "Don't lose sight of why you came in. Regardless of where you're at, it might be different from where you're from, but enjoy it," said Chief Mousseau. Following his retirement ceremony June 13 at the Landing here, Chief Mousseau plans to return to the Cape Cod area, where he has job opportunities waiting for him.