New State Command Chief Master Sergeant
Story & photos by Maj Herb Porter
The Washington Air National is pleased to announce the selection of Chief Master Sergeant Michael E. Toole (left), as the State’s new State Command Chief Master Sergeant. The new spokesperson for the Washington Air Guard enlisted force, replaces outgoing State Command Chief Master Sergeant, Chief Master Sergeant Marvin King (right), who completed his three-year assignment.
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Chief Toole, the Washington Air Guard’s top enlisted Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, brings a wealth of experience to his new position. He began his military career as a Security Specialist, having served six years in the Air Force.
After joining the Air National Guard, he progressed up the ranks becoming an Accounting Technician, squadron First Sergeant, and ultimately the 141st Air Refueling Wing’s (ARW) Senior Enlisted Advisor, culminating 22 years of military service.
A local Spokane resident, Chief Toole was born in 1955, graduating from high school in Couerd’Alene, ID. Shortly thereafter he joined the Air Force. His first overseas was to RAF Lakenheath in England, performing close-in sentry functions. He was later reassigned to Fairchild AFB, WA, where he served as an alert aircraft and weapons storage area Security Supervisor. In 1981, after joining the Air Guard’s 141st ARW, Chief Toole became an Accounting Technician, responsible for maintaining accounts control for material and commercial services sections. As First Sergeant, he served with six commanders in three squadrons including Mission Support, Logistics, and Aircraft Generation. In addition to maintaining discipline and compliance with military standards of conduct, Chief Toole educated squadron members on different programs affecting guard personnel including: employer support, family care, personnel recognition, and weight management programs, emphasizing personal responsibility and accountability. As the Wing’s Senior Enlisted Advisor, Chief Toole, among other things, enhanced the effectiveness of the enlisted force by raising the esprit de corps by emphasizing individual contributions via an active awards and decorations program, establishing baseline recognition measurements with squadron First Sergeants.
In his civilian capacity, Chief Toole has worked as a Safety, Health, and Security Administrator with over eighteen years of experience in the computer manufacturing and software programming industry. His professional affiliations include the American Society for Industrial Security, the National Safety Council, and militarily the EAGUS. Chief Tool will be completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in the very near future. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, snow skiing, playing golf, and creating stained glass windows.
When asked about his immediate goals as the State Command Chief Master Sergeant, Chief Toole says that he hopes to create strong First Sergeant and Chief Councils. Other priorities will include enhancing the TOP 3 organization, and fostering the promotion recognition program statewide.
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