Former Senior Master Sergeant LeCleaise Smith made history on Sunday afternoon at the Air National Guard Base in Gulfport, as she took on the role of Chief Enlisted Manager of Fire Protection.
Smith not only achieved the rank of chief, putting her among the top one percent of enlisted personnel, but she also made history as the first African American in the Fire Engineering Squadron of Mississippi’s Air National Guard to hold this position.
He views his promotion from Senior Master Sergeant to Chief Master Sergeant as something that he had never thought possible.
Smith reflects on his past and the unexpected turns his life has taken. He admits that the word he used in his speech was once unthinkable for him to even utter. “I never thought I would be here,” he says. Smith explains that he joined the military despite not wanting to, and even found himself as a fireman, a profession he never envisioned for himself.
Throughout his career, Chief Smith has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his work, as evidenced by the many state and major accolades, decorations, and achievements he has earned.
According to Smith, discovering his passion was not an easy feat and he faced numerous challenges along the way. However, after much time and effort, he finally figured it out. For him, the driving force behind his endeavors is his family and his desire to protect and serve them. As he puts it, “my why is my family and to help protect and serve.”
As Smith’s family occupied rows of seats at the promotion ceremony, several members of the 209th Special Operations Civil Engineering Squadron witnessed the culmination of Smith’s dedication and perseverance.
According to former Fire Chief James Mendez, the individual in question was raised by a lineage of exceptional mentors who instilled in him valuable skills. Upon joining their team, he was well-prepared to contribute to their efforts to improve. Mendez credits him for his ongoing efforts to elevate their team’s performance.
According to First Sergeant Courtney Jacobs of the 209th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron, Chief Smith is an invaluable member of the team.
Jacobs emphasizes the importance of having a strong fire chief who prioritizes the well-being of the unit and its needs, stating that the current chief excels in this area.
During his speech, Smith shared his personal journey towards becoming the fire chief. He recounted inspiring anecdotes about how he overcame personal struggles, a lack of opportunities, and ultimately found his sense of purpose.
He expresses his overwhelming joy and gratitude, saying, “My teammates’ hard work was crucial to my success. So, it’s a moment of pure joy for me to share this achievement with both my teammates and my family.”
