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A Special Tribute to Chief Master Sgt. Carol Wiley

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Cleveland Chandler
Washington, D.C. --  Prior to joining the Air Force, Wiley graduated from East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance, pedagogy and music education. In 1991, she received a Master of Music degree in vocal performance from the University of Maryland at College Park. She also performed the role of 'Dorabella' in Mozart's "Cosí fan tutte" with Studio Lirico Summer Opera Workshop in Stia, Italy.

Prior to serving as superintendent, she was a vocalist and noncommissioned officer in charge of the Singing Sergeants, and also served as the deputy director of Operations and the priority events manager for the Band. As the Band's superintendent, she led the Band through important inspections and changes of command.

Wiley has been recognized on several occasions for her superior performance as a member of The United States Air Force Band. Highlighting these accomplishments, she was named the "Noncommissioned Officer of the Year" in 1996 and was one of five recipients of the Air Force Association's 1997 "Team of the Year" award for Air Force Public Affairs.

Her service is most characterized by her steadfast integrity and the Air Force core values have been the key to her success. Chief Master Sgt. Angela Burns, flight chief of the Singing Sergeants, said "She always looks for the good in others; she always put others first; she is a treasured and extremely trustworthy friend." She is also known for her grace, poise, patience and humility. "Chief Wiley inspires me to be a better person. She is consistently dependable, reliable and loyal," says Master Sgt. Shani Prewitt.

Wiley's official retirement date is July 1, 2014, and she is currently on terminal leave. She and her husband, Ray, are moving to Charlotte N.C., in early August. She has been accepted to the Master of Arts in Art Administration program at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., where she will begin studies this fall. She plans to continue in her musical pursuits in addition to strengthening her ability to advocate for the arts in the local area and beyond.

The men and women of The United States Air Force Band wish Chief Wiley all the best, it has truly been a pleasure serving with such a distinctive role model and a true leader.