Chief Master Sergeant Christina S. Rizzo is the Command Chief Master Sergeant, 126th Air Refueling Wing, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. As Command Chief, she serves as advisor to the wing commander and senior leadership concerning matters of morale, welfare, and development of the units enlisted force. She also serves as the functional manager of the wing’s first sergeants.
Chief Rizzo graduated from McHenry East Campus High School, Illinois and began her military career in July of 1987 on active duty as a Fuel Systems Specialist where she was assigned to the 6515th Field Maintenance Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, California. In November of 1992 she transitioned to the 126 ARW stationed at O’Hare International Airport, Illinois as a drill status guardsman in the Fuel Systems Repair Shop. After being selected for a Title 32 technician position in January 1993, she transferred to the 126th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, as an aircraft mechanic in the isochronal dock. After five years she accepted a position in Quality Assurance as an Inspector. In 1999, as a result of Base Realignment and Closure, she assisted relocating the unit to Scott AFB, Illinois. In 2003, Chief Rizzo resigned as a full time technician, and transferred to the 126th Operations Group Airfield Management Office as a drill status guardsman becoming an Airfield Management Career Field Subject Matter Expert. She has participated in Operations DESERT SHIELD, DESERT STORM, NOBLE EAGLE, NORTHERN WATCH, IRAQI FREEDOM, and ENDURING FREEDOM. Most recently she served as the St. Clair County Liaison Officer for Corona Virus Disease operations.
Concurrently, Chief Rizzo serves as the Contracting Officer Representative for the KC-135 Aircrew Training Systems Flight Simulator. She is active in community service organizing various school enhancement projects for inner city schools. Prior to her current position she was the 126th Operations Group Superintendent.
EDUCATION
1987 Aircraft Fuel Systems Apprentice, Chanute Air Force Base, Ill.
1989 Non-Commissioned Officer Preparatory Course, Edwards AFB, Calif.
1992 NCO Academy, Maxwell AFB, Ga., by correspondence
1994 Associate of Applied Science, Aircraft Systems Technology, Community College of the Air Force
1997 Associate in Science, Mechanical Engineering, Oakton College, Des Plaines, Ill.
1999 Bachelor of Science, Aviation Management, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
2000 USAF Senior NCO Academy, Maxwell AFB, Ga., by correspondence
2001 Master of Aeronautical Science, Safety and Operations, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla.
2004 Airfield Management Craftsman, Keesler AFB, Miss.
2008 Advanced Airfield Manager, Keesler AFB, Miss.
2010 Contracting Officer Representative Course, Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio
2014 Senior Enlisted Joint PME, Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Va., by correspondence
2015 Air National Guard Chiefs Executive Course, Joint Base Andrews, Md.
2021 Senior Enlisted Joint PME I and II, Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Va., by correspondence
2021 Air National Guard Command Chief Course, San Antonio, Texas
ASSIGNMENTS
1. August 1987 - November 1987, Student, Technical Training School, Chanute AFB, Ill.
2. November 1987 - September 1991, Fuel System Specialist, 6510th Component Repair Squadron, Edwards AFB, Calif.
3. September 1991 - December 1991, Fuel System Specialist, 126th Field Maintenance Squadron, O’Hare International Airport, Ill.
4. December 1991 - July 1998, Aircraft Inspection Specialist, 126th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, O’Hare IAP, lll.
5. July 1998 - July 1999, Quality Assurance Specialist, 126th Logistics Group, O’Hare IAP, Ill.
6. July 1999 - November 2002, Quality Assurance Specialist, 126th Logistics Group, Scott AFB, Ill.
7. November 2002 - September 2014, Chief Airfield Management, 126th Operations Support Squadron, Scott AFB, Ill.
8. September 2014 - July 2021, Superintendent, 126th Operations Group, Scott AFB, Ill.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with six oak leaf clusters
Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with eight oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal with service star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
STATE AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Illinois Military Long and Honorable Service Medal
Illinois Military Attendance Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2001 Summa cum Laude, Master of Science, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida
1998 Summa cum Laude, Bachelor of Science, Southern Illinois University
1991 Federal Aviation Administration, Airframe and Power Plant License
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
National Guard Association of Illinois, Life Member
Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Life Member
Air Force Sergeants’ Association, Life Member
Airlift Tanker Association
National Rifle Association, Life Member
(Current as of July 2021)