Inspiring Airmen: Chief Master Sgt Steven Bell

  • Published
  • By Mr. Shawn McCowan
  • 301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
NAS FORT WORTH JRB, Texas --  A young Steve Bell grew up watching his father serve a 22-year career in the Air Force. Inspired by his father's example, Steve eventually began an Air Force career of his own. About 20 years later, newly-promoted Chief Master Sergeant Steve Bell hopes he leaves as good an example as his father.

A Harlingen, Texas, native, Bell started a career in aviation working as a ramp agent for a major airline. His job quickly fueled the desire to work on aircraft. Before long he decided to join the Air Force as an Avionics Technician. While his father was a strong influence and delighted at his decision, Bell never felt pressured by his father to join the military.

"My father said the military took care of him. He said it was a good life for someone who worked hard and was good at their job. He often encouraged me to join, but in the end he did allow me the flexibility to determine my own course in life," said Bell.

Bell decided following his father's footsteps meant making sure he was just as positive an influence for others. His pursuit of excellent military service did not go unnoticed, and his efforts were recognized numerous times through his career. While he sees his recent promotion to Chief Master Sergeant as a milestone marking a successful career, Bell considered becoming Superintendent of Quality Assurance for 301st Maintenance Group an even bigger defining moment. While others may not see the glamor in such a job, he found it to be a perfect fit for his mission to serve.

"My entire life has revolved around military service, and I can't imagine doing anything else. [Quality Assurance] can be trying work at times; nobody ever celebrates our presence. Nothing is ever perfect, but we strive for perfection. That's where I come in. Every day we work to improve a single process. Anytime we can improve and be more efficient, we need to take the opportunity to do it."

His mission of improvement reached far beyond the military. He also helps a program that brings military families together through the sport of hockey.

Bell found an interest in hockey years ago during an assignment in Utah. He attended his first professional hockey game and became instantly enamored. But he also discovered many obstacles can prevent people -- especially children -- from becoming more involved in the sport.

"There's nothing like watching a hockey game up close and personal. But limited learning opportunities and the high cost of equipment and ice time make it hard for people to get into it."
While looking for tickets to a Dallas-area professional hockey game, Bell heard about Defending the Blue Line; a non-profit hockey development program that provides military children with equipment, ice time, and instructors, inspiring them to explore the sport of hockey. Professional hockey teams also donated tickets to military families through the program, allowing them to experience the game as a family event.

Defending the Blue Line was seeking someone in the local military community to help spread news about the program, and Bell was more than happy to participate. He immediately began to spread the word to his co-workers. Before long, several families began participating.

"I believe family time lowers stress, even if it's hockey. It's also a big morale boost. Several of our people got the chance to enjoy a game together just prior to deploying. Happy families allow people to focus on their mission. Seeing families enjoying the games together, and kids in their gear with a big smile on their face, is heart-warming. For me, that's the biggest reward."

One of those who noticed Bell's efforts is Col. James VanHousen, 301st Maintenance Group commander.

"Steve is the best Quality Assurance Superintendent I've worked with. He's always striving to improve the Group's maintenance processes and is involved with making the 301st a wonderful place to work. We need more people like Steve who willingly step up to get involved with the unit and the community," said VanHousen.

Through Bell's success as a military member or role model working to increase quality of life for Airmen on and off duty, and on or off the ice, he only considers himself as a small part of a big process. He believes significant success only comes when positive changes become the norm.

"It's great to be part of something that's much, much bigger than an individual. Anybody can sit in this seat and drive change. The hard part is maintaining that change. I want my legacy to be change that became permanent. That's how I'd know they were good for the organization in the end. That's how I know I made a difference."