MARTINSBURG, W.Va. -- Chief Master Sgt. James Geraghty has served in the 167th Airlift Wing for 40 years.
He started his career in the motor pool and through the years has earned every Air Force Specialty Code in the vehicle maintenance career field. He started as a general purpose mechanic then moved on to special purpose mechanic. Then, for 11 years, he oversaw vehicle management and analysis. In 2011 he was promoted to the Chief of vehicle maintenance.
Chief Geraghty has been serving as the 167th Logistics Readiness Squadron Superintendent since last August and is now responsible for the overall health and well-being of the squadron.
Maj. Christopher Tusing, 167th LRS commander, said Chief Geraghty is currently making the biggest, singular impact within LRS.
“With the turnover of several key positions over the last 12 months, he has been integral to the deliberate oversight and successful development of the squadron’s enlisted corps. His direct efforts will be reinvested, multiplied, and benefiting the squadron and wing long after his retirement later this year,” Tusing said.
After 40 years in uniform the chief has some sage wisdom to share.
First, take responsibility for your mistakes, learn from them and move on, he said.
His advice to the newest Airmen in the wing is to be mindful of your short and long term goals. Figure out what you need to do to progress, make a plan and stick to it.
To the current and upcoming chiefs, he said, “I don’t think it’s about being promoted to chief, it is accepting the responsibility of the position when the opportunity arises. Being a Chief is very rewarding, you’re not going to change the world overnight, but you can chip away at.”
Geraghty said he is proud to serve as a Chief, but he is proudest of being in uniform and being able to serve in the unit for such a long time.
Chief Geraghty said every trip he has taken over his career has been exciting.
“Getting to learn new things and meet new people always excites me,” he said.
The experience that stands out as his favorite, though, was a temporary duty assignment in Belgium early in his career.
“It was an awesome experience to be abroad and work with members of another country’s military,” he said.
Geraghty’s hobbies include cycling and fly fishing, activities he intends to spend more time doing as he travels the country in a camper after his retirement from service later this year.