Kaleth O. Wright

Kaleth O. Wright is a retired United States Air Force Senior Enlisted Advisor who served as the 18th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force from 2017 to 2020. He was the second African-American to hold the service's highest enlisted rank and position, following Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody. Wright's tenure was notably defined by his candid advocacy for mental health awareness and suicide prevention within the military community.

Early life and education

Kaleth O. Wright was born in Albany, Georgia, and spent portions of his youth in Panama due to his father's service in the United States Army. He graduated from Dougherty Comprehensive High School in Albany. His higher education includes an Associate of Applied Science degree from the Community College of the Air Force, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Park University, and a Master of Arts in Management from Webster University. He is also a graduate of several prestigious military professional programs, including the Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education course and the Chief Master Sergeant Leadership Course at the Air Force Senior NCO Academy.

Military career

Wright enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1989, initially training as a Surgical Service Specialist before cross-training into the Career Assistance Advisor field. His early assignments included posts at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center at Lackland Air Force Base and Keesler Air Force Base. He served in numerous leadership roles across the globe, including assignments with the 375th Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, and the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing in Afghanistan. He previously held the position of Command Chief Master Sergeant for both the United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa and the Air Education and Training Command prior to his selection as the service's top enlisted leader.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force

Appointed by Chief of Staff General David L. Goldfein, Wright assumed the office of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force on February 17, 2017. He served as the primary advisor to the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, and the United States Congress on matters concerning the welfare, readiness, and morale of the Air Force's enlisted force. His tenure was marked by a direct and public focus on reducing suicide rates among service members, famously stating "We have a problem" in a 2019 Facebook post that garnered national attention. He championed initiatives to reduce administrative burdens, modernize professional military education, and improve quality of life for Airmen and their families.

Post-military career and advocacy

Following his retirement in August 2020, Wright has continued his advocacy work in the mental health and veteran support spheres. He serves on the board of directors for the Cohen Veterans Network and is a strategic advisor for PsychArmor Institute, organizations dedicated to supporting military personnel and veterans. He is also the founder of the Wright Legacy Group, a consulting firm. He remains a frequent speaker on leadership, resilience, and diversity, equity, and inclusion within corporate and military audiences, and has been featured in media outlets like CNN and NPR.

Awards and decorations

His personal military awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster. He also wears the Air Force Recognition Ribbon, the Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal, and the NATO Medal for service in Afghanistan.

Category:United States Air Force senior enlisted advisors Category:Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force Category:American military personnel of the Iraq War Category:American military personnel of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)