Calling it a career Published Jan. 6, 2006 By Airman Thomas Trower CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- More than 28 years ago, an Airman came home on leave to visit his home in the Finger Lakes region of Western New York. Little did he know that his influence would help his friend enter the military and begin a career that would end at the top of the 27th Fighter Wing as the senior non-commissioned officer. Command Chief Master Sgt. James Randall will leave Cannon Jan. 11. He is retiring after 27 years of service to the Air Force and America and returning to Cheyenne, Wyo., one of his previous assignments. “My main reason for wanting to retire at this point in time is my family … no question,” said Chief Randall. “I’ve asked my family to do a lot for me, now it’s time to let my wife pursue her professional career.” His children have loved being military “brats.” They have loved all of the places they have seen. The Air Force has been great for his family, said Chief Randall. “But now, it’s time to put some emphasis into them,” said Chief Randall. “I want to spend more time with them. I won’t have them around for much longer, my children are all almost 19.” Along with spending time with his family, Chief Randall emphasized that his new career won’t be “playing 18 holes of golf a day.” He has received numerous offers in the security profession, as well as a substitute teacher for the Cheyenne school district. He also wants to become more involved with the community again; helping the Salvation Army, giving blood and volunteering at homeless shelters are just a few items on his agenda. Chief Randall said he Air Force taught him many things he can take with him wherever he goes. “It’s like a night and day difference,” he said. “The Air Force didn’t hand me anything on a silver platter. It gave me opportunities to reach my full potential and I took advantage of them.” Chief Randall entered the Air Force when he was 21. He said he was very self-centered and selfish, but the Air Force taught him that there is satisfaction in belonging to something bigger than self-interest. The chief passed along some of the lessons to other Airmen beginning their careers that the Air Force taught him. “The Air Force is demanding,” he said. “Take the advice of everyone around and let the chips fall where they may.” “There has to be a balance in your career,” Chief Randall said. “You have to take care of your family as well as the Air Force. Do what your supervisors ask and don’t worry about advancing. If you do everything to the best of your ability, promotions will come on their own. I think that promotion is an indicator of future behavior.” The best goal for an Airman to set is to be the best Airman possible, he said. Supervisors recognize hard work and will reward it accordingly. One subject the chief stressed was the importance of higher education. He said Airmen shouldn’t wait until the last minute to obtain a degree like he did, because the Air Force offers 100 percent tuition assistance to all active duty members. Airmen should take advantage of this early in their careers. “I procrastinated way too long,” said Chief Randall. “I didn’t get my degree until I was 20 years into my career.” In addition to the opportunity for higher education and training, the Air Force gave Chief Randall pride and many other things in exchange for his willingness to dedicate himself to the Air Force. “I never realized it would be this fun and satisfying. I would do it all over again if I had the chance,” Chief Randall said. “I have no regrets and I only wish my children get as much out of their life as I have gotten from the Air Force. I just wish all the best to everyone I ever met in the Air Force, along with all of the communities I have seen.” am grateful beyond words.”