News United States Air Force
 6th Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force laid to restPublished Aug. 3, 2022
                        
                        By 55th Wing Public Affairs
                **OMAHA, Neb. (AFNS) --**
                The sixth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, **James M. McCoy**, was laid to rest during an interment ceremony at the Omaha National Cemetery, July 29.
McCoy, who served as the first senior enlisted advisor of Strategic Air Command and was selected as one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year in 1974, **passed away** July 13, at the age of 91.
In attendance were multiple dignitaries including **Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass** and five former CMSAFs.
“He dedicated his life to service,” Bass said. “Service to his nation, service to our Air Force, and most importantly, service to our Airmen and their families.”
The **Air Force Honor Guard** performed the military honors while two **B-52H Stratofortress** aircraft from **Barksdale Air Force Base**, Louisiana, provided a flyover.
“He wore the uniform for over 30 years, but his impact extends to our Airmen still serving today,” Bass said. “Our Airmen and our Air Force are no doubt better off because of him.”Uniformed Airmen lower a U.S. flag-covered casket onto a stand.Air Force Honor Guard members lower the casket of the sixth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, James M. McCoy, during his interment ceremony at the Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha, Neb., July 29, 2022. McCoy passed away July 13, 2022, at the age of 91. (U.S. Air Force photo by Charles J. Haymond)
            
            
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    McCoy served as CMSAF from 1979-1981.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass, the 19th CMSAF, looks on as the United States Honor Guard lays a U.S. flag over the casket of the sixth CMSAF, James M. McCoy, during his interment ceremony held at the Omaha National Cemetery, Neb., July 29, 2022. McCoy served as CMSAF from 1979-1981. (U.S. Air Force photo by Charles J. Haymond)
            
            
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    McCoy served as CMSAF from 1979-1981.Kathleen McCoy, spouse of the sixth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, James M. McCoy, receives a folded U.S. flag by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass during McCoy’s interment ceremony held at the Omaha National Cemetery, July 29, 2022. McCoy was active in many business and civic organizations within the Omaha, Neb., area and on the national level. (U.S. Air Force photo by Charles J. Haymond)
            
            
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As the sixth CMSAF, McCoy set out to improve the enlisted retention rate that had dropped to as low as 25% in the late 1970s. He also created the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program and expanded professional military education options. McCoy also worked to introduce maternity uniforms for female Airmen.
One of the unique aspects of McCoy's career lay in his time at Noncommissioned Officer Leadership School, now Airman Leadership School, where he instructed the fifth CMSAF, and his friend, **Robert Gaylor**.
“I am filled with mixed emotions,” Gaylor said. “I am saddened by the loss I feel of my very dear friend and at the same time, I am uplifted having the many years I’ve spent serving with him. We were like brothers.”
He died 17 days short of his birthday and is survived by his wife, Kathy McCoy, and seven of his eight children: Debbie Paxton, Jim McCoy, Teresa Cloughesy, Barb Branco, Steve McCoy, Matt McCoy and Tom McCoy. One son, Mike McCoy, preceded him in death.
More photos from the ceremony can be viewed **here**.LR 



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