Chief Master Sergeant Joey Lee, Air National Guard 

Chief Master Sergeant Joey Lee has dedicated over two decades to the Air National Guard, serving in roles that span three overseas deployments and culminating as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the 217th Engineering Installation Squadron. Throughout their career, Joey has exemplified resilience and leadership, earning recognition as the first non-binary individual promoted to Chief Master Sergeant in their wing and likely the entire Air National Guard.
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Joey’s path to service began after the events of 9/11, driving them to enlist in 2002 under the constraints of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell." Despite navigating a series of personal and professional challenges, including discrimination and systemic barriers, Joey consistently rose above. They championed LGBTQ+ rights within the military, advocating for justice and recognition for transgender service members long before fully embracing their own identity as non-binary and trans-masculine in 2021. As a visible advocate, Joey played a key role in shaping policies and fostering understanding, helping younger service members navigate their own journeys.

In June 2023, Joey planned and emceed their wing’s first Pride event, a landmark moment symbolizing personal and institutional growth. Their leadership and advocacy were further recognized when they received the Modern Military Association of America’s LGBT Role Model of the Year Award in 2024. Knowing the influence they have as a senior leader, Joey says, "It’s about showing others that someone is always in their corner."

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