THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 28, 1996 TAG: 9609280222
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: 25 lines
A career specialist in information management was named chief master sergeant of the Air Force, the service's senior enlisted position, Friday.
Chief Master Sgt. Eric W. Benken, a 26-year Air Force veteran who has spent most of his time in administrative billets, has been senior enlisted adviser for the Air Force in Europe for the last two years. His experience also includes tours of duty in Taiwan, Korea and Vietnam.
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Benken succeeds Chief Master Sgt. David J. Campanale, who is retiring in November. The appointment was made by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman.
The senior enlisted member for each service acts as an adviser to the service chief of staff and an advocate for improvements in pay, housing, medical care and other benefits.
During his tenure, Defense Secretary William J. Perry also has made a point of consulting the enlisted leaders on quality of life issues and has accompanied them on tours to inspect living conditions on bases and ships.
KEYWORDS: APPOINTMENT by CNB