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145th Combat Operations Group congratulates First Female Chief

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Patricia F. Moran
  • 145th Public Affairs
During a promotion ceremony held in honor of Angela Zephier, Lt. Col Randall Haeberle, commander, 156th Weather Flight, welcomed family and friends to the Combat Operations Group Auditorium to see history made.

Senior Master Sgt. Angela Zephier, was ceremoniously promoted to the rank of Chief Master Sgt.,(CMSgt), making her the first ever female chief for the 145th Combat Operations Group and 156th Weather Flight. 

CMSgt. Zephier started her career in 1994 as a weather observer to the Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, FL. Zephier deployed to support Operation Southern Watch where she witnessed the terrorist attack on Khobar Towers.  During this tragic event she assisted the FBI in their investigation while continuing to work as a senior weather observer. 

In 1997, she returned to Keesler AFB to broaden her weather experience and completed Weather Forecasting Course.  Her next assignment was to Minot AFB where she served as a Weather Forecaster. In two short months she was certified as Weather Forecaster, quickly earning Forecaster of the Quarter for her excellent forecasting skills. 

Then in 1999, after earning an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Weather Technology, Zephier took an assignment at Camp Humphries Army Base as supervisor of a five person team providing weather support for Army attack helicopters and medical evacuation aircraft.  In 2001, she went to the 17th Operational Weather Squadron at Hickam AFB and helped stand up one of the first regional weather hubs monitoring weather for over a million square miles.

Getting to this level in her career was not easy. "The "good ol' boy" days have come to an end!" said Zephier, "Military work is hard but offers so many opportunities.  It is up to each individual to determine what path your career will go.  All of us know what is needed to accomplish one's individual promotions.  As you progress, don't work at the level of your current grade; perform at a rank above yours."

Zephier left active duty in 2005 and joined the Hawaii Air National Guard where she continued her education and graduated from Wayland Baptist University's Hawaii with her Bachelor of Science in Meteorology.

Zephier joined the North Carolina Air National Guard in February of 2007 and now, as of October 4, 2014, is Chief Master Sgt. and superintendent for the 156th Weather Flight.

When asked how she would mentor other airmen as they progress through the ranks, CMSgt. Zephier stated, "Being the first female chief for the Combat Operations Group is a great honor. Remember, just because there is not an opening today doesn't mean that what you want will not open tomorrow.  So be ready!  Keep excelling in PME, in fitness and spiritually.  Seek mentorship from someone that is in the position you want. It's your career, OWN IT!"