Sam E. Parish

Sam E. Parish (born October 2, 1937) is a retired Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force who served as the 8th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force from 1983 to 1986.

Early life alt=On Feb. 22, 2013, CMSAF Sam Parish congratulates Civilian Supervisor of the Year Category 2 Award Winner Annette Terry at Malmstron Air Force Base. Parish congratulates Civilian Supervisor of the Year Category 2 Award Winner Annette Terry at Malmstron Air Force Base in February 2013.

alt=On Feb 22, 2013, CMSAF Sam Parish speaks to members of Team Malmstrom during the 2012 Annual Awards Banquet at the Grizzly Bend on Feb. 22, 2013. Parish speaks to members of Team Malmstrom during the 2012 Annual Awards Banquet at the Grizzly Bend in February 2013.

Parish was born in Marianna, Florida, and attended Malone High School. He joined the United States Air Force in December 1954.

Military career Following basic military training, Parish was assigned to Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois, for training as a ground weather equipment operator where earned distinction as an honor graduate. His early assignments include Germany, Massachusetts, and Illinois. In March 1973, Parish graduated from the first class of the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Gunter Air Force Station, Alabama. One of his classmates was James M. McCoy, who in August 1979 would be appointed as one of Parish's predecessors as the sixth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. In August 1976, he began his third tour of duty in West Germany as sergeant major for the 36th Combat Support Group consolidated base personnel office at Bitburg Air Base, Germany. His career included tours as Senior Enlisted Advisor for 40th Air Division, US Air Forces in Europe, and Strategic Air Command.

Parish served as the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force from August 1983 to June 1986.

Awards and decorations Personal decorationsAir Force Distinguished Service MedalLegion of Merit with bronze oak leaf clusterMeritorious Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf clustersAir Force Commendation MedalUnit awardsAir Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor device and silver oak leaf clusterService awardsAir Force Good Conduct Medal with silver and three bronze oak leaf clustersArmy Good Conduct MedalCampaign and service medalsNational Defense Service MedalService, training, and marksmanship awardsAir Force Longevity Service Award with silver and bronze oak leaf clustersNCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon with two bronze oak leaf clustersSmall Arms Expert Marksmanship RibbonAir Force Training Ribbon

Professional memberships and associations