SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill -- Chief Master Sgt. Robert Beabout, 932d Security Forces Squadron (SFS), senior enlisted leader, was formally recognized for his promotion to the rank of chief master sergeant during an official ceremony on April 5, 2025.
He was joined by his family, friends, and fellow Airmen to celebrate his promotion and career.
Recognizing how the Air Force has done a lot for him, Beabout said, “I moved to Kansas City to become a state trooper, I’m still in Kansas city now. After about 11 years, I was really missing the Air Force. One, I feel that it helped me, I went to college. The Air Force really provided a social elevator for me to lift my family out of poverty and to give my kids a better life.”
Obtaining the distinguished rank of chief master sergeant is a momentous occasion, as only one percent of the United States Air Force enlisted personnel can hold that rank.
“I deployed on the ground in Operation Allies Refuge. I was a first sergeant for the CE (Civil Engineering) unit, which means firefighters. If you remember the 'Abigate' blew up, it was CE Air Force first responders that responded, and those are my people," said Beaubout. "So I believe being a first responder, a state trooper and a KBI special agent, it helped me deal with those guys and the trauma they were going through.”
Beabout served in the 932nd SFS as the senior enlisted leader. He was instrumental in supporting the development of mission-ready Airmen through mentorship and leadership.