Eric W. Benken

Eric W. Benken was the twelfth Chief Master Sergeant appointed to the highest noncommissioned officer position in the United States Air Force. He was the last Vietnam Veteran to hold the position.

Chief Benken was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and entered the Air Force in March 1970. His background was in information management. He served in operational, maintenance and support units at every level of command from squadron through Major Command . Chief Benken served in Taiwan, Korea, and South Vietnam, and in a joint service assignment at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe . He served as Senior Enlisted Advisor to 12th Air Force and United States Air Forces in Europe . While at USAFE, the command was involved in operations such as Provide Promise, Provide Comfort, Deliberate Force, and Joint Endeavor in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Source: Wikipedia