How a demoted airman rose to become CMSAF

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Air Force’s senior enlisted leader returned to his first duty station this week, using a visit to F.E. Warren Air Force Base and a turn as grand marshal of Cheyenne Frontier Days to underscore lessons on discipline, accountability, and investing in people.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe, who first arrived here in July 1992 as a young Airman and is now the service’s 21st CMSAF, met with Airmen across the base and reflected on how the installation and its mission shaped his career. Praising the rigor of Air Force Global Strike Command, he said, “I wish every Airman’s first assignment was an AFGSC installation. It is a high-pressure, high-stakes environment where the rules are the rules. It builds a strong foundation.”

Wolfe also spoke candidly about a serious early misstep at F.E. Warren, when he received nonjudicial punishment under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice within his first year. He credits supervisors who held him accountable while continuing to invest in his development. “My leaders could’ve flicked me out of the Air Force if they chose to, but instead they gave me a second chance,” Wolfe said. “I have everything that I have in life today because my leaders did not give up on me.”

Within a year, he was named the 321st Missile Squadron Airman of the Year and selected as a flight security controller as an Airman 1st Class—recognition he framed as the product of leaders who allowed him to earn back trust. Emphasizing the balance between standards and support, Wolfe added, “The key is that leaders have to actually give you a full opportunity for redemption. That means, at some point, it’s got to be over, where we don’t talk about it anymore, and accountability has happened. You’ve paid your penalty and they let you move on. So, for people that are in the situation where they’re just trying to step towards that redemption phase, don’t give up. Remind yourself that you’re in this situation because of your own decisions, and that you can make different decisions that will result in a different outcome. Keep that perspective, and you’ll be fine.”

Wolfe said guidance from seasoned mentors at Warren continues to influence his approach, noting he remains close with retired Chief Master Sgt. Gary Kelly, who attended Wolfe’s assumption of responsibility ceremony as CMSAF.

Asked what he tells Airmen who might be uncertain about orders to F.E. Warren, Wolfe shifted the focus from location to purpose. “Everywhere you go there is someone who needs your help and that’s what it is about, not weather or location,” he said. “It’s about looking for people to help, and if you pick up that attitude not only will you help others, but you will also pick up two or three lifelong friends in the process.”

The return to Cheyenne also carried personal significance for Wolfe and his wife, Doniel. He recalled supporting Cheyenne Frontier Days as a new Airman—spending 10 straight days collecting trash—and said the couple began their family while stationed in the area. Decades later, he rode in the Grand Parade and appeared at the rodeo as a grand marshal. “It feels surreal to be the grand marshal in Cheyenne Frontier Days because I started my career here and my family started here. My entire life started here,” Wolfe said. “Doniel and I are honored to be a part of it. This is such a great community that treats our Airmen so well.”

Now responsible for representing active-duty, Guard, and Reserve enlisted members across the force, Wolfe said his priorities remain grounded in listening and problem-solving. “I’m finding out more every day,” he said. “I want to know all the friction points for our Airmen and their families. My job is to remove those friction points to improve their quality of life so they can remain focused on the mission and each other.”

He closed with a message of care for the force. “I hope that they feel that we love them,” Wolfe said. “That’s a strong word and it’s a word that some leaders shy away from. But I’m telling you, the secretary of the Air Force, the under secretary of the Air Force, General Wilsbach, General Lamontagne, me, we love our people. We want them to be happy. Sometimes that love is tough and it’s not always perfect and it’s not easy. But we really, truly care about them, and that we want to make this the best experience for them.”