Eric and Phantom’s Story

Chief Master Sergeant Eric M. Dudash recently retired from active duty with the United States Air Force on 1 December 2018. Spending over 30 years in service, Chief Dudash has been engaged in every conflict since Desert Shield & Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan, and multiple other engagements including hostage rescue and drug interdiction.

Obtaining the rank of Chief Master Sergeant/E9, he served in Command positions supporting various MAJCOMS from Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), Air Force Central Command (AFCENT), Air Combat Command (ACC), United States Air Forces Europe (USAFE), Special Operations Command (SOCCOM), Combined Joint Special Operations Component (CJSOAC) and Air Education & Training command (AETC). During his service, he deployed 17 times and completed 167 TDYs to different locations.

Chief Master Sergeant Dudash’s last position allowed him to advise Commanders with issues regarding the readiness, utilization, morale, professional development, and quality of life of more than 1,200 permanent party enlisted members in 62 different Air Force Specialties and 35,000 student graduates worldwide annually.

Chief Dudash has a Masters of Arts in Education, concentrating in Adult Education and Training. He resides in Mentone, Alabama with his bride Barbara, and is a proud of his 3 children Zachary, Brooke and Adoree (“Add O Ray”). He is a member of Dekalb County VFW Post 3128 and serves as the VFW State of Alabama Programs and Scholarship Chairman. Along with his new battle buddy “Phantom”, they serve in the community by pinning American flags on fellow veterans receiving Hospice Care and speaking to school classrooms, as well as businesses about teamwork, resiliency, and servant leadership.