Sehorn attains highest enlisted grade

EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. -- Ricky Sehorn, 188th Wing chief of transportation, was promoted to the rank of chief master sergeant June 2, 2016. Lt. Col. Mitch Long, 188th Mission Support Group deputy commander, presided over the ceremony held at the headquarters auditorium.

"Chief Sehorn has the heart of a leader and has a natural leadership ability about him," said Long. "Under his leadership, vehicle maintenance continues to exceed the monthly vehicle commission rate."

Sehorn, a native of Waldron, Arkansas, joined the 188th after graduating from Waldron High School. Sehorn served in the 188th life support section until he transferred to the Army's 95th Infantry Division, serving as platoon leader of 1st Platoon Bravo Company. He then transferred back to the 188th and served in security forces before he became a vehicle mechanic.

Sehorn has served in vehicle maintenance for the past 24 years as non-commissioned officer in charge of vehicle maintenance and has been chief of transportation since 2014.

"When I took over the 188th Mission Support Group in 2012, I knew little about vehicle maintenance," said Col. Tenise Gardner, 188th MSG commander. "Sehorn was instrumental in educating group and squadron leadership on issues that needed our attention and initiatives that would improve efficiency. He is an exceptional leader and senior NCO."

During his career, Sehorn has participated in Operations Decisive Endeavor, Noble Eagle and Southern Watch and has deployed in support of Operations Maple Flag, Coronet Dragon and has supported the state during two state emergencies.

Sehorn has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and numerous other awards throughout his career.

During the ceremony, Sehorn conveyed that in order to make chief, it requires hard work, dedication and surrounding yourself with the right people, then furnishing those personnel with the tool necessary to complete the mission.

"God has blessed me throughout my career because I have always been surrounded with the right people," stated Sehorn. "I'm very appreciative and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as a chief for such a great organization."