CMSgt Albert M. Salinas is Command Chief of the 149th Fighter Wing, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Chief Salinas advises the Wing Commander and staff on all matters influencing the health, morale, readiness, and effective utilization of the Wing’s enlisted personnel.
CMSgt Salinas entered the Air Force in December of 1990 for basic training. Upon graduation, he attended Airlift Aircraft Maintenance technical school specializing on the C-130 airframe. Chief Salinas received his first duty assignment to the 773d Airlift Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas arriving in April 1991 where he served as a C-130H Aircraft Maintenance Journeyman. While at Dyess AFB, Chief Salinas participated in Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, RESTORE HOPE, JOINT ENDEAVOR, and JOINT FORGE. In December of 2000, Chief Salinas separated from active duty and joined the 149th Maintenance Group located at JBSA-Lackland, Texas, initially enlisting as an F-16 Engine Maintenance Scheduler, drill status guardsman.
In April of 2002, Chief Salinas was gained by the 149th Communications Flight and cross-trained into the Communications-Computer Systems Operations career field and was assigned as a Network Services Technician; subsequently becoming a full-time technician in July 2005 and eventually fulfilling the role as NCOIC of Network Operations. In September of that year, Chief Salinas mobilized in support of humanitarian relief efforts for both Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, where he provided critical communication assistance in support of overall relief efforts. In October 2009, he transferred to the 273d Cyber Operations Squadron where he progressed to the role of superintendent, shaping the TXANG’s only Cyber Operation Squadron, supported two active duty squadrons, accounted for military, civilian, and contractor personnel, and a $60M cyber range enterprise. Prior to assuming his current position, he served as the 149th Operations Group Senior Enlisted Leader. Chief Salinas and his wife, Melinda, of 31 years, have three children together and she is an active member of the 149th Fighter Wing Family Readiness Group.
EDUCATION:
1990 USAF Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, TX
1991 USAF Airlift Aircraft Maintenance Specialist Course, Sheppard AFB, TX
1993 USAF C-130B/E/H Aircraft Maintenance Systems Technician Course, Little Rock AFB, AR
1997 USAF Airman Leadership School, Dyess AFB, TX
2007 USAF Communication Computer Systems Operator Craftsman Course, Keesler AFB, MS
2008 USAF Non Commissioned Officer Academy Course, McGhee-Tyson ANGB, TN
2008 CompTIA Security+ Certified Professional, Lackland AFB, TX
2009 Associate’s Degree in Applied Science, Information Systems Technology, CCAF
2011 USAF Cyber Operations Transition X-Course, Lackland AFB, TX
2011 USAF Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Course, Correspondence
2012 USAF Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Course, Gunter AFB, AL
2013 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
2015 GIAC Certified Incident Handler Course (GCIH)
2017 ANG Chief Master Sergeant’s Executive Course, Joint Base Andrews, MD
2021 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education I, Joint Knowledge Online, Correspondence
2021 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education II, Joint Knowledge Online, Correspondence
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. Dec 1990 – Jan 1991, Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, TX
2. Jan 1991 – Mar 1991, USAF Airlift Aircraft Maintenance Specialist Course, Sheppard AFB, TX,
3. Apr 1991 – Dec 2000, C-130H ACFT Maintenance Technician, 40th Airlift Squadron, Dyess AFB, TX
4. Jan 2001 – Mar 2002, F-16 Maintenance Scheduler, 149th Maintenance Group, Lackland AFB, TX
5. Apr 2002 – Sep 2009, NCOIC, Network Operations, 149th Communications Flight, Lackland AFB, TX
6. Sep 2009 – Jul 2018, Superintendent, 273d Cyber Operations Squadron, JBSA-Lackland, TX
7. Jul 2018 – Dec 2021, Senior Enlisted Leader, 149th Operations Group, JBSA-Lackland, TX
8. Dec 2021 – Present, Command Chief, 149th Fighter Wing, JBSA-Lackland, TX
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster
STATE AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Texas Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal
Texas Outstanding Service Medal one oak leaf cluster
Texas Medal of Merit with two acorns
Texas Faithful Service Medal with three cactus
Louisiana Emergency Service Medal
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:
2008 NCO of the Year – 149th Mission Support Group, Lackland, AFB, TX
2010 SNCO of the Year – 273rd Information Operations Squadron, Lackland, AFB, TX
2011 SNCO of the Year – 273rd Information Operations Squadron, Lackland, AFB, TX
2012 Outstanding Airman of the Year – SNCO Category, Texas Air National Guard
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS:
149th Fighter Wing Chiefs Council, Past President
The National Guard Association of Texas, Life Member
Air Force Sergeant’s Association, Member
American Legion, Weiss-Wurzbach Post 460, Past Commander
Cybersecurity Industry Council, San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
Veterans of Foreign War, Post 76
Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
Adoration, Community, Theology, Service (ACTS), St Louis Catholic Church
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
Airman Basic December 4, 1990
Airman June 4, 1991
Airman First Class April 4, 1992
Senior Airman June 4, 1993
Staff Sergeant October 8, 1999
Technical Sergeant March 30, 2007
Master Sergeant September 23, 2009
Senior Master Sergeant March 29, 2012
Chief Master Sergeant June 8, 2016
(Current as of March 2022)