ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall unveiled a portrait of the first Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force Roger A. Towberman, at the Pentagon alongside the honoree, July 9.

The portrait unveiling marks one of many historic firsts for a military service that was established less than five years prior, Dec. 20, 2019.

Towberman was sworn in as the U.S. Space Force’s second Guardian, April 3, 2020, by the service’s first Guardian, Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. Raymond, and served until he retired from military service September 2023.

During his more than three years as CMSSF, Towberman was instrumental in developing the service’s core values, overseeing the stand up of three new service components, and updating the service’s approach to talent management, among many other accomplishments. He served as an advisor to the chief of space operations and the secretary of the Air Force on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale, proper utilization, and development of the Space Force.

“[Towberman] defined what it means to be an enlisted Guardian,” Kendall said. “He led the adoption of Space Force core values and Guardian commitment. Every Guardian will experience his influence to come — all the way down the line.”

Towberman expressed his appreciation to the Space Force and Department of the Air Force for the tribute, highlighting some of the portrait’s elements for their symbolism and significance.

“This is an incredible honor, and I’m so happy to be a part of it,” Towberman said. “Everything we did, we did to try to set the conditions for success.”

Prior to becoming the first CMSSF, Towberman served 30 years in the Air Force, including as the command senior enlisted leader at U.S. Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. His portrait will be on a permanent display in the Pentagon.

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