Chief Master Sergeant James Rooney
James (“Jim”) Rooney was born on June 24, 1944 and passed away on March 7, 2015 at the age of 70. James entered the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1962 and honorably served 30 years in the Aircrew Life Support (ALS) career field. He was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt), the highest enlisted grade, in 1983. James was a Vietnam veteran and served with the Presidential Air Force One flight while stationed at Andrews AFB, MD. Later in his career he worked at the USAF Tactical Air Warfare Center, Eglin AFB, FL where he was perfecting the development of chemical warfare defense equipment and procedures. He followed that assignment with an assignment to the Tactical Air Command (TAC) Inspector General team then to the TAC Requirements division where he was in charge of procuring the next generation ALS systems. Those challenging career steps prepared Chief Rooney for his next assignment at Headquarters Pacific Air Forces (HQ PACAF; Hickam AFB; Honolulu, HI) as the ALS Chief Enlisted Manager with the responsibility of managing over 250 airmen at eight bases in Hawaii, S. Korea, Japan (including Okinawa) and the Philippines. While at HQ PACAF, CMSgt Rooney co-authored a new enlisted manpower standard for the ALS shops. This new standard saved millions of dollars for HQ PACAF and the Air Force during a time when the Department of Defense was reducing operations and maintenance (O&M) budgets by 25% across-the-board. Also, while stationed at Hickam AFB, he was elected as president of the Chief’s Group, which promotes the morale and welfare of the enlisted personnel at Hickam AFB. CMSgt Rooney’s final Air Force assignment was at HQ Air Training Command, Randolph AFB, TX. He participated in the skillful crafting of operations policies and procedures, which enhanced the safety of over 5,000 aircrew members serving as instructors or as student pilots in the undergraduate pilot training (UPT) program. His superb leadership and ALS technical expertise came together at the right time to minimize the loss of scheduled UPT missions during his tenure. Chief Rooney retired from the Air Force in 1992. During retirement he stayed active involved in all aspects of the annual Aircrew Life Support/Aircrew Flight Equipment Veterans and Retiree’s reunion; organized the annual reunion golf tournament; Master of Ceremonies at the reunion and/or Farewell Banquet. Jim was also an active member Good Shepherd Catholic Church and the Randolph AFB Men’s golf group. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Jim loved the Boston Red Sox and attending games here in Texas with his family. He also loved the Dallas Cowboys and the San Antonio Spurs. Jim loved his country and every minute he served in the United States Air Force. He was an outstanding father and wonderful husband. Jim is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Jean Rooney, he is survived by his wife of 42 years Pok Hui (Suzie); daughters, Jennifer Gaitan and Margaret Strever; grandchildren, Morgan Gaitan, James Gaitan, Claire Strever; siblings, Joseph Rooney, Michael Rooney, Thomas Rooney and John Rooney. Interment was at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.
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