JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Command Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Muldowney is settling into his new role with the 514th Air Mobility Wing as the top enlisted Airman. Muldowney was recently promoted to the prestigious command chief position in July. After a month on the job we asked him some questions for a better insight to who he is.
Q: You just received a new office, new star and new responsibility. How does it feel?
A: For me it’s a dream, giving me the opportunity to get to know and understand the different squadrons. I have the ability to take questions and concerns from enlisted members and address those issues to the wing. If you feel that there’s a challenge that your chain of command might not be able to solve, I want everyone to know my door is always open.
Q: What are your immediate impressions of your new position at your first unit training assembly as command chief?
A: There is a lot of work to be done, it’s good work and it’s challenging. It’s good because I’m taking care of people, and that’s something I like to do. For me this is the beginning of the best job I’ve ever had. There are some huge challenges across the wing regarding budget constraints, then there are disciplinary issues that have to be addressed, but, more importantly, I want to ensure that the enlisted force which is the backbone of 514th Air Mobility Wing is taken care of.
Q: What are some changes you would like to make?
A: One thing that comes to mind is base lodging issues. I know there have been complaints, and people want change. I believe if more Airmen are able to stay on or closer to base it could possibly improve training, improve mentoring, and make for a close knit environment. I plan to figure out how to leave this unit in better condition than when I came.
Q: Command Chief Master Sgt. Muldowney, you started your Air Force journey with no rank and no education and now you’re the Command Chief Master Sgt. of the 514th Air Mobility Wing with two college degrees. How were you motivated to get to the place you are today?
A: A large part of my motivation and inspiration comes from the support of my family. Also, I had to stay focused and know where I wanted to go. I started out as one of those Airmen that I wished I wasn’t, early in my career. I had many challenges when I first joined the Air Force. Seven to eight years into my career when I finally got to a base in Germany, a Staff Sgt. Doug Dover pulled me aside and gave me, “That talk.” The sergeant helped me develop a plan to put me on a career path of progress in 1993. After talking with Dover it’s been full steam ahead and I been indebted to him ever since. It takes just one person to make a difference. That’s what I want our supervisors to do with mentorship. As a supervisor, if you see someone that you realize has potential, it’s up to you to be a mentor, otherwise you’re failing them as a supervisor.
Q: Can you tell us something most people don’t know about you?
A: Most people do not know that I played the accordion. I was pretty talented at it and started to gain some recognition competing in competitions and winning. I also do voice over work.
Q: What do you do to counteract the stress of your position?
A: My go to stress reliever is prayer. In addition to praying, I like to “mind walk”. I use mind walking when I’m preparing for my voice over work and it helps me to relax and focus. I visualize a childhood place and walk through it in my imagination. As I remember details of the scene from my childhood and walk through it, I sync my steps with my breathing slowly, which relaxes me.
Q: Chief, what would you say is your leadership style?
A: I expect a lot from people because I know they have the potential and I expect the wing to lead by preeminent example. I want to ensure everyone knows I have an open door policy. It’s a joy to be able to talk to everyone in the squadrons and I want to push people to do their best. There is a common misconception associated with going to see the Chief as if you must be in trouble. I remember my roots and want to make sure everyone can approach me if necessary. I want to be the peoples’ Chief, I love the people in this wing and I know all of them have the potential to do great things.