Thomas N. Barnes

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Thomas N. Barnes

Thomas N. Barnes (born November 16, 1930 in Chester , † March 17, 2003 in Sherman , Texas ) was an American soldier and the first African American in the office of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (1973-1977).

Life and military career

Barnes grew up in Chester, Pennsylvania . In 1949 he enlisted in the US Air Force and completed basic training in Texas at Lackland Air Force Base . His technical training took place at the Chanute Technical Training Center in Illinois . He served in the Korean War and the fourth was troops Season 62 aircraft carrier battle group assigned and the Japanese Ashiya stationed. Due to a lack of personnel, he was employed there as a flight engineer and mechanic for hydraulics. After the war ended, Barnes was stationed on various bases in the United States and Japan.

During the Vietnam War , Barnes was primarily an instructor and consultant, initially at the 3646th Pilot Training Wing, later at the Headquarters Air Training Command (from 1971). On October 1, 1973 he was appointed CMSAF, his two-year service was extended by the Chief of Staff , David C. Jones , initially by one year. In February 1976 he was selected by Jones for a further year, a previously unique process. Barnes was Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Secretaries of the Air Force John L. McLucas and Thomas C. Reed , and Chiefs of Staffs George S. Brown and David C. Jones. He retired on July 1, 1977.

Private life

After completing his military career, Barnes spent seven years as a human resources manager for First National Bank in Fort Worth and then became vice president of human resources for the Associates Corporation of North America. After retiring from ACNA, Barnes moved to Fannon County with his wife Marie and raised Longhorn cattle on a farm in Bonham . He was considered a big rodeo fan and won titles in the penning team at the regional Kueckelhan Rodeo .

Thomas N. Barnes died on March 17, 2003 of complications from cancer.

Quote

"I'd like to be remembered as a role model for people who believe they can't get there. It was an honor to have been chosen (as the CMSAF) on the basis of my qualifications, as opposed to my race or my gender. "

“I want to be remembered as a role model for people who believe they can never achieve anything. It was an honor to be selected (as CSMAF) based on my qualifications, as opposed to my race or gender. "

honors and awards

  • Memorial plaque on the parade field at Lackland Air Force Base
  • The Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted eduation of Air University and the Thomas N. Barnes Airman Leadership School of McConnell Air Force Base are named after him

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b c Neil Nichols: 4th FW historian reflects on CMSAF Barnes career  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. . Seymour Johnson Air Force Base@1@ 2Template: Dead Link / www.seymourjohnson.af.mil  
  2. ↑ National Aerospace & Special Awards ( Memento of the original from December 26, 2010 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. . Air Force Association @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.afa.org
  3. ↑ Chief Master Sgt. Thomas N. Barnes Plaque - Lackland AFB, Texas
personal data
SURNAME Barnes, Thomas N.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION American soldier, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (1973–1997)
DATE OF BIRTH November 16, 1930
PLACE OF BIRTH Chester , Pennsylvania
DATE OF DEATH March 17, 2003
Place of death Sherman , Texas