JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
The 192nd Wing held an assumption of responsibility ceremony as Chief Master Sgt. Sean J. Fretwell, former 192nd Mission Support Group senior enlisted leader, was inducted as the new 192nd Wing command chief master sergeant June 4, 2023, here.
As command chief, Fretwell's primary responsibility will be to advise the 192nd Wing commander on all matters related to the enlisted force. Examples include: mission effectiveness, professional development, military readiness, training, and utilization, while centering focus on the morale and welfare of the Wing’s enlisted Airmen.
“I think about what the ‘command chief’ in the Wing is all about, and they are truly my trusted advisor in the pulse of the enlisted force across the entire Wing,” said Col. Christopher Batterton, 192nd Wing commander. “In order to truly connect with [our Airmen], you need a leader like Chief Fretwell out there that knows our members, is listening, and then takes action to make changes that impact the quality of the lives of all our Airmen.”
“As a chief, when I was asked ‘what is the expectation for Airmen’, the first thing that comes to mind is having an understanding of responsibilities,” said Fretwell, as he addressed the Wing in his assumption of responsibility ceremony. “I am a firm believer that leadership is nurture versus nature. Each of you must nurture your leadership style through experience, education and relationships. Find your style and nurture it - grow to become the best leader you can be.”
Fretwell joined the VaANG as a traditional guardsman in 2005 through an inter-service transfer after having served in the United States Marine Corps for 15 years. He started out serving as a crash fire rescue firefighter and transitioned into the education and training career field. In July 2014, he moved to a position at the National Guard Bureau and served in various staff positions.
In December 2017, Fretwell returned to the VaANG as the 192nd Force Development Flight superintendent. From there, he quickly advanced in responsibility as the 192nd Force Support Squadron superintendent and then the 192nd Mission Support Group senior enlisted leader.
“As I embark on the journey as your Wing command chief, I want to assure you that my responsibility will not be taken for granted,” said Fretwell. “I will put my time, energy and effort to provide you the opportunities to become the best, most capable Airmen the Virginia Air National Guard has ever known.”
Fretwell succeeds Chief Master Sgt. Richard Roberts, who served as the 192nd Wing command chief since January 2021. Roberts celebrated his retirement from the VaANG June 3.
“It has been an honor and privilege to be your Wing command chief,” said Roberts, in a farewell statement addressing the VaANG. “I have witnessed your dedication, professionalism, and excellence in every mission and task that you have accomplished. You have made me proud to wear the uniform and to represent the 192nd Wing.”