Meet AFDW’s new command chief! Published Feb. 2, 2018 By AFDW Public Affairs AFDW Public Affairs JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Chief Master Sgt. Melanie K. Noel began her role as Air Force District of Washington’s newest command chief in January 2018. As command chief, she serves as the senior enlisted leader for AFDW and the 320th Air Expeditionary Wing; she is responsible to the AFDW Commander, Maj. Gen. James A. Jacobson, on matters concerning the welfare, effective utilization, professional development and readiness of AFDW's global Airmen. “It’s a real honor to have been selected as AFDW’s command chief,” she said. “It’s humbling to know others have placed trust in me and believe I have what it takes to get the job done,” Noel brings to the role more than 25 years of experience serving in the security forces and personnel administration career fields as well as a First Sergeant and Legislative Fellow. Her assignments have taken her to duty stations across the U.S., abroad and in theater. During her career, she’s earned a number of professional and academic accolades in leadership and management. Read her full biography here. Looking back at the many experiences she’s had in the Air Force, Noel said one of her proudest accomplishments was being in the Honor Guard.. “I learned at young age the importance of serving our country in the military and what the Honor Guard does for our military families,” Noel said. “Although the first several ceremonies were difficult and emotional, it was, in all, a very rewarding experience because of the knowledge that I had made a difference on family members during the darkest time of their lives.” Noel said she is eager to begin working with and mentoring others while fostering effective communication and open dialogue, empowering Airmen to think for themselves and telling the full story of AFDW’s multi-faceted mission. “In the coming weeks and months, I look forward engaging with our AFDW Airmen and learning from them how I can assist with improving their lives and working conditions so we can continue executing AFDW’s mission,” she said. Chief Noel can be followed at www.facebook.com/AFDW.CCC