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Proud to Serve-A Freeper Reflection on my 23 Year USAF Career (VANITY)
Self | 27 Oct 2004 | Commish

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.


TOPICS: Government; Miscellaneous; Your Opinion/Questions
KEYWORDS: airforce; military; retirement
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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.

1 posted on 10/27/2004 5:33:16 PM PDT by commish
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To: commish

God bless you for your service, commish. We owe a debt of gratitude to our soldiers that we can never fully repay.


2 posted on 10/27/2004 5:34:24 PM PDT by Peach (The Clintons pardoned more terrorists than they ever captured or killed)
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To: commish

I don't like most vanities...but ....THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE


3 posted on 10/27/2004 5:35:55 PM PDT by Drango (NPR-When government funds a "news" outlet that has a bias...it's no longer news...it's propaganda.)
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To: commish

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.


4 posted on 10/27/2004 5:36:03 PM PDT by anniegetyourgun
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To: commish

Congratulations for your retirement and your proud service of America. From a native San Antonian, WOOHOO!!, I love San Antonio!


5 posted on 10/27/2004 5:37:15 PM PDT by nascartex
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To: commish

I only served for 4 years in the USAF but I was stapled as a War Criminal by Kerry.


6 posted on 10/27/2004 5:37:15 PM PDT by rocksblues (Sorry John, we remember and will never forget your treason!)
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To: commish

Welcome to the ranks of the Retired. I cant believe its been 20 years for me. I miss it..!


7 posted on 10/27/2004 5:40:58 PM PDT by Jay Howard Smith
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To: commish

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!


8 posted on 10/27/2004 5:42:12 PM PDT by Americanwolf (Paintball Gun: $44..Accessories: $55. Protecting campaign sign from Union thugs: Priceless!)
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To: commish

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.


9 posted on 10/27/2004 5:44:53 PM PDT by TWohlford
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To: commish
I can't think of a better retirement present than 4 more years of George W. Bush as Commander in Chief.

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...

10 posted on 10/27/2004 5:46:22 PM PDT by operation clinton cleanup (Congratulations! May you live long and prosper!)
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To: Americanwolf

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!


11 posted on 10/27/2004 5:48:16 PM PDT by NativeTxn
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To: commish

Thank you for your service, Commish. We pray you will have a happy retirement.


12 posted on 10/27/2004 5:50:12 PM PDT by arjay (If the NYT is against it, it must be good for America.)
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To: Americanwolf

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.


13 posted on 10/27/2004 5:50:38 PM PDT by Danette (The 9-11 Commission is America's newest terrorist cell. Vote Bush 2004.)
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To: commish
Hearty congratulations, enjoy your new life.

"...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..."

14 posted on 10/27/2004 5:52:29 PM PDT by concentric circles
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To: commish

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


15 posted on 10/27/2004 5:53:39 PM PDT by steveo (Member: Fathers Against Rude Television)
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To: commish
I am a computer programmer who specializes in computer Security.

Now you can start making the big bucks! You are in high demand if you get tired of golf..

16 posted on 10/27/2004 5:54:29 PM PDT by operation clinton cleanup
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To: commish
I always think of the AF as a sissy organization. In your case, I will forego that humor. thanks for your service.

I was in AF afore you you were born.

17 posted on 10/27/2004 5:55:26 PM PDT by cynicom (<p)
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To: commish
Commish,
Congratulations, God Speed, and best of luck and fortune with your upcoming retirement.

I'll stand with you, in spirit, at your retirement ceremony tomorrow.

There are two things after my 31 years, 11 months and 29 days with the Air Force that I don't do very good anymore, they are retirement ceremonies and Taps, I still get misty at both.
18 posted on 10/27/2004 6:09:19 PM PDT by ThomasPaine2000 (Peace without freedom is tyranny.)
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To: commish

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE


19 posted on 10/27/2004 6:10:37 PM PDT by tankrlm
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To: commish

Good post.


20 posted on 10/27/2004 6:12:03 PM PDT by alcuin (getridofthateffinlooselipssinkshipsgesture)
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