/25/2008 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFPN) -- The service has come a long way in 60 years, as the military celebrates the 60th Anniversary of integration in the armed forces July 26 here.

Tinker Air Force Base members reflect that progress, with African Americans currently serving in the top three 72nd Air Base Wing leadership positions.

Col. Allen Jamerson assumed command of the 72nd ABW July 18, marking a distinct moment in Tinker AFB history. Colonel Jamerson, who also serves as the installation commander, Col. Mona Lisa Tucker, the 72nd ABW vice commander and Chief Master Sgt. Eric Harmon, the 72nd ABW command chief, are all of African American descent.

The 72nd ABW provides base operations support to more than 28,000 military and civilian personnel assigned to the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center and 45 associate units.

"The possibility of the three of African American holding these positions was just a dream 60 years ago," Colonel Jamerson said. "In today's Air Force, it's really just business as usual."

Before President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981, the military was segregated, like much of the rest of society. There were all-black military units in every major American war since the Civil War. One of the most famous units was the Air Force's Tuskegee Airmen. Colonel Jamerson is quick to recognize the efforts of those men and realizes that the Air Force has come a long way.

"Pioneers such as the Tuskegee Airmen and the other all-black units paved the way for their successors coming up through the ranks," he said. "They broke down the myths and stereotypes of the era. Their sacrifices and successes have paid off not only for African Americans, but for all military personnel who aspire to be leaders."

Colonel Tucker, who has been the wing's vice commander since July 2007 said, "The 72nd Air Base Wing supports one of the most diverse installations in the Air Force. From depot maintenance to airborne warning and control, strategic communications and so much more, Tinker AFB is a national defense asset. I am extremely proud to be part of this wing's senior leadership team and hopefully serve as an example of the opportunities that await all Airmen."

"When I look back at the past and now at the present, this is truly an amazing opportunity to serve with Colonel Jamerson and Colonel Tucker. I am thankful as a migrant from Guyana, South America, and as an African American to be blessed to serve in this capacity at the hallmark of this historical event that marks the 60th anniversary of the integration of the armed forces. This would not be possible without the many sacrifices of the pioneers and many brave African Americans before us who made it possible for everyone regardless of their racial or cultural background to serve in key leadership positions," said Chief Harmon.

On July 26, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed the executive order establishing the President's Committee on Equality of Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed Services, committing the government to integrating the segregated military. The order stated that "there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed forces without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin."

"The armed forces helped pioneer much of the change in America the past six decades and your country is much better off for it. I'm honored to command the 72nd Air Base Wing, and to serve alongside Colonel Tucker, Chief Harmon and all of the outstanding Tinker Airmen, civilian, and contractors that support our nations defense," Colonel Jamerson said.

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123108186

CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT ERIC A. HARMON





Chief Master Sergeant Eric A. Harmon is the 72d Air Base Wing and Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Command Chief Master Sergeant. He serves as the principle advisor to the 72d Air Base Wing and Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Commanders on matters concerning effective utilization, training and development, readiness and concerns affecting 968 enlisted members, providing base support and direct operational support for the 552d Air Control Wing, Navy Strategic Communications Wing One, 3d Combat Communications Group, 507th Air Refueling Wing and 40 other associate units within six MAJCOMs. The wing provides engineering support for more than $15.4 billion in resources while providing care and services for more than 28,000 military and civilian personnel, their dependents and 36,500 retirees.

Chief Harmon is a native of Guyana, South America. He entered the Air Force in 1982. Chief Harmon held various positions within the Veterinary Medicine and Public Health career field. He served as first sergeant for Operation BRILLIANT LION, a MEDFLAG exercise consisting of over 190 multinational and US forces in Cameroon, Africa.

EDUCATION

1985 - NCO Preparatory Course, Kadena AB, Japan
1986 - HQ PACAF NCO Leadership School, Kadena AB, Japan
1992 - HQ AETC NCO Academy, Lackland AFB, TX
1993 - Academic Instructor Course, Maxwell AFB, AL
1993 - Associate Degree in Environmental Medicine Technology, Community College of the AF
1994 - Associate Degree in Instructor of Technology and Military Science, Community College of the AF
2001 - USAF Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Maxwell/Gunter Complex, AL
2004 - USAF Chief Master Sergeant Leadership Course, Maxwell/Gunter Complex, AL
2005 - Intermediate Executive Skills course, Sheppard AFB, TX
2005 - Bachelor's degree in Workforce Education and Development, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL
2008 - Air Force Enterprise Management Seminar, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
2008 - Air Force Smart Operations 21 Executive Leadership Course, University of Tennessee, Seattle, WA

ASSIGNMENTS

1. January 1983 - March 1985, Veterinary Services Technician, USAF Med Center, Keesler AFB, MS
2. April 1985 - December 1989, Environmental Health Technician, USAF Clinic, Kadena AB, Japan
3. January 1990 - April 1993, Military Public Health Technician, USAF Med Center, Scott AFB, IL
4. April 1993 - November 1994, Airman Leadership School Instructor, Scott AFB, IL
5. November 1994 - December 1996, Airman Leadership School Instructor and Commandant,
Andrews AFB, MD
6. January 1997 - June 2000, Superintendent, Public Health Flight and, 86th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Ramstein AB, Germany
7. July 2000 - Mar 2004, Superintendent, Public Health Flight, Superintendent, 60th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Travis AFB, CA
8. March - December 2004, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine Public Health Functional Manager and Superintendent, Operational Health Division, Brooks AFB, TX
9. December 2004 - January 2007, Superintendent, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB, TX
10. January 2007 - November 2007, Superintendent, 8th Medical Group, Kunsan AB, Korea
11. December 2007 - Present, Command Chief Master Sergeant, 72d Air Base Wing and Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker AFB, OK

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Korea Defense Service Medal

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS

1985 - Outstanding Young Man of America
1986 - Health Service's Management Inspection Outstanding Performer Award, Kadena AB, Japan
1987 - PACAF NCO Leadership School Drill Master Award
1987 - 1991 - Health Service's Management Inspection Outstanding Performer Award, Scott AFB, IL
1995 - 89th Support Group NCO of the Year, Andrews AFB, MD
1996 - 89th Airlift Wing NCO of the Quarter, Andrews AFB, MD
1996 - 89th Airlift Wing NCO of the Year, Andrews AFB, MD
1997 - 86th Medical Group SNCO of the Year, Ramstein AB, Germany
1997 - European Command Public Health SNCO of the Year
1999 - 86th Medical Group SNCO of the Year, Ramstein AB, Germany
2001 - 60th Aerospace Medicine Squadron SNCO of the Year, Travis AFB, CA
2003 - Air Mobility Command Public Health SNCO of the Year

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION

Senior Airman (BTZ) - March 1985
Sergeant - September 1985
Staff Sergeant - June 1988
Technical Sergeant - April 1994
Master Sergeant (STEP) - November 1996
Senior Master Sergeant - February 2001
Chief Master Sergeant - April 2005

Current as of 15 Jan 08