JBPHH PME Center Dedicated to CMSAF James C. Binnicker

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jessica Rowe
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  The Pacific Air Forces and 15th Wing leadership dedicated the Hickam Professional Military Education Center in honor of the ninth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, James C. Binnicker.

The Binnicker PME Center was unveiled Feb. 15 at the center's flagpole, in conjunction with the final retreat ceremony for Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Class 12-1.

"We learned about Chief Binnicker in our class, and we use his lessons in real life," said Tech. Sgt. Les Garon Ueda, NCOA 12-1 class commander. "To be part of the class that gets to dedicate this building in his honor is just an absolute privilege."

The PME process was a key platform in Binnicker's CMSAF interview process, and he continues to dedicate his time to this cause.

In 1978, Binnicker reported a 17 percent opportunity for NCO development in PACAF - the lowest in the Air Force at that time. Today, due to his initiatives, all eligible Airmen attend PME programs at schoolhouses, like the Binnicker PME Center, across the command.

A mixture of friends, family, colleagues, and Airmen - from the most junior to most senior in rank - gathered for this special event. One member of the audience was particularly recognized.

"A young man somewhere in the audience, Eddie Chung...I've known Eddie since 1965 when I was here as a Staff Sergeant," Binnicker said. "It is only appropriate that he be here today."

Binnicker had a successful active duty career that spanned more than 33 years, giving the PACAF command chief, Chief Master Sgt Brooke McLean, much to choose from as he prepared his comments as the presiding official of the ceremony.

McLean described Binnicker as a champion of the enlisted development arena and an Airman who continues to make a difference today.

"Chief Binnicker is man of many talents, having held many key positions and been recognized with numerous awards and decorations," McLean said. "He never failed to make time to guide, mentor, direct and push when needed. He's still making a difference by running our Air Force Enlisted Village in Florida. We're so blessed to have Chief Binnicker as a leader in our Air Force, and it's so fitting that we rename this PME Center after him today."

In response to the honor of having the PME Center dedicated to him, Binnicker said he was almost speechless.

"I cannot express how I feel. My name may be on that sign, and it is truly a high honor," the chief said. "But, if you look really close you will see thousands of names on that sign, as well, that have brought us here today."