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.
You joined about 3 years after I joined the Navy. Back in 1978 we hadn't gotten over the "malaise". In fact, I made a radical move and joined the military because I felt that Mr. Carter was going to need a strong military because of all the trouble going on in the middle east that year. Seems Mr. Carter decided to be the peace keeper and I wasn't needed till 83-84 in Grenada and Lebanon. I've often wondered what the Mideast would be like today if Mr. Carter would have carried a big stick and was willing to use it.
You, being in the military in the eighty's, would no doubt remember the profanity aroused when the words "Jane Fonda" were uttered. It does seem fitting that you get to, as a last action in your military career, voice your opinion on that subject.
In the Navy we had a saying; "Fair winds and following seas". I think you in the Air Force have a saying something to do with the wind to your tail, I wish that to you. Thank you for your service.
Hooah!
21 Years and 6 months here. Officially retired Oct 1 as a Master Sergeant. If W hadnt won in 2000, I was gonna stay in longer to make sure Gore's name wasnt on my retirement certificate.
Congrats! (Now you have to decide what to wear every day )
MM7 USAF 1973-1993
A-10 by any chance?
My baby and my very favorite. But also the 16's and the B1. I was only on the Warthogs for 16 month in England and I was there when they were closing the twin bases. To Tdys to the "Lik".
Were you part of 81st EMS?
Thanks.
LEt me clarify one small point. My Retirement Ceremony is today , and I will be relieved of duty Nov 2; however my "official" retirement date is Feb 1, 2005. I get to enjoy 90 days of "terminal" leave in the meantime :-)(for you civilians, this means I will still be paid my full pay for the next 3 months - WOOHOO)
Commish, your father, and your brother for your service. God Speed in your new endeavor.
(p.s. the military needs to change "terminal" leave to something happier......every time I hear that it makes me think the person is dying and is given time of to do so.........)
Happy Trails, Zoomie! Y'all done good!
God Bless you, I hope to retire from the USAF in about 20 or so years, I'm just getting started on Nov. 23rd.
Congrats, commish:
I was at Gunter two years ago for a class. Outstanding facility. Though small.
Gunter is the only base whose back gate I've seen from the front gate.
Jack.
Aim high Brother! To you commish and your family the best of luck and health in your retirement years.
BTTT!!!!!!!
Congrats, T/SGT Schlau!
Thank you for carrying on a fine and proud tradition.
~Piper
Thank you for your service. Military duty is not for everyone and to spend 23 years is for even fewer.
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