Lackland Air Force Base in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Chief Master Sgt. Thowas N. Barnes
C-118 ...an enlisted story.
Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024
1. Chief Master Sgt. Thowas N. Barnes Marker
Inscription.
Chief Master Sgt. Thowas N. Barnes. C-118 ...an enlisted story.. Although Chief Barnes was a crew chief and flight engineer aboard a wide variety of aircraft, including the C-118, he cast a much broader shadow later in his career when he was named the fourth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force in October 1978. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1949 and trained to repair aircraft engines and hydraulic systems. Chief Barnes was soon involved in moving aircraft, troops and equipment in defense of a Beleaguered South Korea, a task that was renewed during the war in Southeast Asia. However, his subsequent role as the Air Force's top enlisted person imparted a most lasting effect on the enlisted force. His continued efforts on behalf of quality of life issues; medical care, housing and pay parity are legendary. Although the final results may not have occurred during his tenure as CMSAF, the improvements he proposed and supported resulted in increased recruitment and retention, he served as CMSAF four years, longer than any who served in the capacity before or since. His dedication made life better for all airmen.
Although Chief Barnes was a crew chief and flight engineer aboard a wide variety of aircraft, including the C-118, he cast a much broader shadow later in his career when he was named the fourth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force in October 1978. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1949 and trained to repair aircraft engines and hydraulic systems. Chief Barnes was soon involved in moving aircraft, troops and equipment in defense of a Beleaguered South Korea, a task that was renewed during the war in Southeast Asia. However, his subsequent role as the Air Force's top enlisted person imparted a most lasting effect on the enlisted force. His continued efforts on behalf of quality of life issues; medical care, housing and pay parity are legendary. Although the final results may not have occurred during his tenure as CMSAF, the improvements he proposed and supported resulted in increased recruitment and retention, he served as CMSAF four years, longer than any who served in the capacity before or since. His dedication made life better for all airmen.
Erected by USAF Heritage Program Collection.
Topics. This historical
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marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1978.
Location. 29° 23.48′ N, 98° 37.081′ W. Marker is in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in Bexar County. It is on Bong Avenue south of Luke Blvd. The marker is located at the USAF Airman Heritage Museums Air Park which is around the parade grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jbsa Lackland TX 78236, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Texas and in the San Antonio Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Another marker is no longer nearby. C-121 "Constellation" (was about 300 feet away but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. The marker, museum and air park are located on the Lackland Air Force Base, an active U.S. military installation which is a part of the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). The USAF Airman Heritage Museum and Air Park are open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access. Visit the museums web site for current details on visiting the museum and air park.
Also see . . . 1. Airmen Heritage Training Complex. USAF Airman Heritage Museum (Submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 166 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
