Like father, Like son

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Joel Langton
  • 47th Flying Training Wing
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  It was a family affair when Chief Master Sgt. Chris Redmond, command chief for Air Force Office of Special Investigations, raised his right hand and reenlisted in the Air Force for the last time. 

Not only was his family standing by his side, but his oldest son, 24-year-old 2nd Lt. Chris Redmond was standing in front of his dad, the 25-year Air Force veteran. 

The reenlistment took place Club XL's Ballroom. Lieutenant Redmond is a student pilot at Laughlin, assigned to the 85th Flying Training Squadron. 

"This is my last reenlistment and Chris's first," said Chief Redmond. "So that makes today really special." Raising the stakes on the special day was the fact his wife, two daughters and new daughter-in-law were at his side. 

It was the first time the entire family had been together during a reenlistment. 

"We've been all over the world and someone has always been somewhere else, so it was nice to have everyone here for this one," he said.
The chief, responsible for the 1,300 enlisted members assigned to AFOSI, said his family was critical to his success. 

"I've seen death scenes, just lost two agents in June, have people in harm's way around the world, but I've been able to maintain my strength and professionalism due to my family," said Chief Redmond. 

Thus, the chief and lieutenant had been targeting this family-oriented reenlistment since before Lieutenant Redmond ever raised his right hand and came into the Air Force. "I've been thinking about this since I wanted to come into the Air Force and be a pilot," said Lieutenant Redmond. "It's my first one and it's fitting that it's my dad!" 

The chief said it was very special as well. "I had to take a deep breath at the end."