New command chief serves first tour in AFSPC Published July 26, 2013 By Senior Airman Phillip Houk 460th Space Wing Public Affairs BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Chief Master Sgt. Craig S. Hall took the position of 460th Space Wing command chief only a month ago and is ready to face the challenges of a space-based mission and to work with his Airmen. This is Hall's first assignment as a command chief, but it's also his first time in Air Force Space Command. He said he's eager to learn the ways of a space wing's mission and vision. "A space wing is the ultimate challenge. Having never been in a space wing, I want to learn the mission; tell me, teach me. When I see our Airmen around and ask them what they do for a living, I'm not just making small talk. I really want to know so I can understand their daily challenges." As an Airman, Hall never expected he would serve more than a quarter of a century. "I got into the Air Force seeking structure, discipline and some college benefits," Hall said. "I thought I would go four years and be done. Little did I know, at the time, this was the start of a fantastic career. "The first few years, I was always on fire - no pun intended - but still in the back of my mind always felt I would get out. It was not until my 10-year mark when I was deployed to Kuwait, sitting in a fire truck on standby watching a giant orange sun set in the sky, that I finally realized this is what I was meant to do with my life," he said, "that someday I would be a Chief." Hall has served his country for more than 25 years with the same fire and drive he had when he first joined. "Serving like a champion, it's my thing," he said. "I am blessed to have this opportunity. Not a lot of people are willing to serve, not a lot of people are willing to sacrifice, and we all know we're not doing it for the money. I believe it is difficult to find an occupation that is as fulfilling and impactful, on a global scale, as the military - it is all about service." Being a career firefighter, Hall has served around the globe and has always loved serving with those around him. "The number-one thing I like about the military is the people; that's why I keep doing this," Hall said. "I love serving with young people who volunteered during a time of war, something I did not do. I am proud to team up with folks who knew going in they would inevitably deploy to a war zone - a true testament of their character and love for country. Talk about inspiring; they inspire me! "I enjoy being part of the roughly 1 percent of the American population that represents the national interests of 314 million plus. I love that we have that responsibility," he said. Hall has many priorities as a command chief, but his top priority is to always be there to the help his Airmen. "People always come first," Hall said. "If we take those people, train them and take the time to develop them into the future leaders of the Air Force, the mission will always get done, and we will leave the Air Force better than we found it. Approach every day as a servant leader that performs at a championship caliber," he said. "Serve like a champion."