Posted on 10/27/2004 5:33:16 PM PDT by commish
Has it really been 23 years since I stepped off an airplane in San Antonio, TX and boarded a bus for Air Force Basic Training at Lackland AFB? It sure doesn’t seem that long, and yet, in some ways, it seems like it has been my entire life.
When I entered Active Duty on Sep 24, 1981 Ronald Reagan was still in his first year as President. America was recovering for the “malaise” of the 1970’s, and it was cool to be patriotic and to love one’s country again.
I came by my Patriotism honestly. My Father served this country in WWII, and carried shrapnel from a German 88 in his back until the day the Lord called him home in 1987. His father served in WWI, my brother served in Vietnam and still carries two NVA bullets in his spine.
On Oct 28, 2004 my retirement orders will be published and I will be given a wonderful retirement ceremony. On Nov. 2, I will be relieved of duty and will join the ranks of United States Air Force Retired. My one regret is that my father will not be able to stand with me on this day, but I know he will be there in my heart.
It has been an interesting 23 years, filled with good times and bad times. Luckily the good times more than outweigh the bad. There have been so many important people that have influenced my career that I could not even begin to name them all here.
I have been blessed to serve this great country, and I am proud to have served her. I am proud to see that beautiful flag raised every day. As I look back on my career, I will cherish all the memories.
I have been able to travel all over the world, and have been stationed in so many amazing places. Thanks to Uncle Sam, I have seen all of Europe, most of the Orient, and a few sandy places that I can never forget.
As I said earlier, the years have been both good and bad. In 1990, I learned that one of my dearest friends, SSgt Victor Marvick, was killed by a Terrorist bombing in Ankara, Turkey. This was not a random act of terror, my friend was targeted, his vehicle wired with explosives. His wife and child saw him die in the driveway of their home.
The ceremony Vic got was not the joyful recognition I will get, and his flag did not fly over the Capitol, it draped his coffin. I will remember my friend in my ceremony, and I will tell his story to the people gathered for my retirement. I will do this because he is why we fight today, and I want to pass on to my troops the importance of what they are carrying on.
I have many friends who will be unable to attend because they are currently in Places like Baghdad, Baghram, Doha, and Talil. I will honor them also.
A lot of us “grizzled old guys” look at today’s airman and reminisce about the good old days, and how these young punks wouldn’t have made it then. But the truth is, I am leaving the Air Force in good hands. America can be proud of these young men and woman. I know I am.
Finally, I will recognize my wife Sheila, without whom I would have never made this journey. She is my rock, my anchor to reality, my everything. She is the only person I will ever love, and I thank her for standing by my side all these years.
As the book closes on my Air Force career, I will look back and fondly remember my service to the greatest country on Earth. I am truly Proud to Serve.
The Men and Women of the Headquarters Standard Systems Group Cordially invite you to attend a Retirement Ceremony honoring TSgt. Michael N. Schlau On Thursday, the twenty-eighth of October 2004 At nine in the morning SSG Auditorium BLDG 892 Maxwell AFB-Gunter Annex, Alabama Reception to follow Luncheon: 1130, Super Buffet on Atlanta Hwy.
While my ceremony is tomorrow, I don't officially outprocess the military until Nov 2.
I can't think of a better retirement present than 4 more years of George W. Bush as Commander in Chief.
God bless you for your service, commish. We owe a debt of gratitude to our soldiers that we can never fully repay.
I don't like most vanities...but ....THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
Congrats, Commish. You follow in a long tradition of USAF lifers - like my own father. Hail to you flyboy....and may your retirement years be lengthy, healthy, and full of joy.
Congratulations for your retirement and your proud service of America. From a native San Antonian, WOOHOO!!, I love San Antonio!
I only served for 4 years in the USAF but I was stapled as a War Criminal by Kerry.
Welcome to the ranks of the Retired. I cant believe its been 20 years for me. I miss it..!
Commish,
1.) Thank you for your almost quarter century of service to our great country. It is the men like you that I looked up to and respected as a young enlistee in the Navy, and help to guide my carrer for the 4 years that I served. You and you like are the core of todays military and you have passed along an unlimited wealth of knowledge I am sure.
2.) I wish you the best in your retirement I hope that your time is filled with the things that bring you joy in life. knowing that the safety of this country is in capable hands.
3.) I will do my best to make sure that you wish for the retirment present of 4 more years of George Bush becomes a reality.
Thank you again for your service you are a true Patriot!
The USAF is indeed in good hands. Every week, 50 weeks a year, some 900 new airmen march on the parade grounds, trying to get a glimpse of the F15 as they stand at attention.
My daughter graduated from Flight School (Lackland, where else?) in August. The vast majority of the airmen's parents, spouses, etc make the trip for graduation, indicating a strong level of support for the airmen back home.
Thank you for your service. You can retire assured.
Amen. I was a munitions systems specialist from 1990-97. Participated in several retirement ceremonies.... always sent chills up my spine at the personal sacrifices these people have made...
Congratulations! Thank you for serving our country all those many years. My husband was a Squadron Commander at Basic Training at Lackland from 1978 to 1982. Unfortunately he left the Air force with 14 years active duty and we have regretted it ever since. Thanks so much!
Thank you for your service, Commish. We pray you will have a happy retirement.
I entered the AF in '82. I loved the 4 years I served. My husband retired from the AF after 20+ years.
Congratulations and THANK YOU for serving.
"...Thou who dost keep with tender might
The balanced birds in all their flight
Thou of the tempered winds be near
That, having thee, they know no fear..."
Thank you for your service sir. My daughter joined the USAF last July and is loving it. 'So many truly dedicated people' in her words. Enjoy your retirement, best wishes. Steve
Now you can start making the big bucks! You are in high demand if you get tired of golf..
I was in AF afore you you were born.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
Good post.
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