Walter L. Hinton II’s military career is nothing short of impressive. With perseverance and dedication, he has reached remarkable milestones while serving his country. A people person at heart, Hinton credits his strong work ethic and commitment to others to his success.
Hinton has earned distinction for over two decades in the Washington Air National Guard, where he currently serves as an in-flight refueling program manager. In this capacity, he oversees a team of more than 20 boom operators, ensuring the seamless operation of air refueling missions. His responsibilities extend beyond the skies, including managing ground support personnel and overseeing payroll operations. In addition, he serves the Washington Air National Guard as a military technician, through which he has honed his expertise in air operations and people management.
One of Hinton’s most notable achievements was rising to the rank of chief master sergeant and being the first African American to serve as a chief boom operator within his unit. Throughout his career in military service, his success has been predicated on his people-first approach, prioritizing personnel welfare over strict adherence to regulations.
As Hinton details, “My experience is different than anybody else’s. I’m the first African American to be in the Washington Air National Guard as a boom operator. Then, I was the first Black chief in the Washington Air National Guard. I just want people to know that if you persevere, you can make it.”
Hinton’s expertise in management and air operations is widely recognized within his field. This expertise has earned him membership in several relevant organizations, including the National Association of Guardsmen and the Army Sergeants Association.
Hinton’s educational background has also significantly shaped his career. He holds an associate degree in professional military education, which has provided him with a solid foundation in leadership and strategic thinking.
Outside his professional life, Hinton enjoys snowboarding and boating, which reflects his love for adventure and the outdoors. He is excited about the prospect of retirement and plans to transition into teaching as a career enlisted aviator instructor. This next chapter will allow Hinton to share his wealth of experience with future generations of military aviators, continuing his legacy of leadership and excellence in the field.
