Return to base
Retirements and reconnections
Last month I gathered with several of my friends and colleagues at VFW Post 4183 to celebrate my medical retirement from the Air Force Reserve. It was a bittersweet time of laughter, stories, and memories as I reconnected with people from every stage of my military service.
Although my career did not end the way I had hoped, I am utterly grateful for the chance to have served with such amazing people, and for the experiences I had along the way. Some of my deepest friendships would never have occurred if I had not had the chance to wear the uniform.
Yesterday I had the chance to return to Scott Air Force base for the first time in several months. A friend of mine was celebrating his own retirement and I made the trip to St. Louis to cheer him on. He has done amazing things and I am so excited for him as he starts the next chapter of his life.
Picking up where others left off
Unlike my party, his ceremony was held in the 932 AW auditorium. As a result, I got a chance to walk through spaces where I had once worked. Although I loved the chance to catch up with people I served with, the overwhelming number of new faces was a sign of the fact that the Air Force is bigger than any one of us.
Although it has only been two years since I regularly attended drill at the 932 AW, I only recognized about 25% of the people I saw. People come and go. Missions change. Leadership shifts. As hard as it is to watch things change, it is also gratifying to know the same spirit that made my time in uniform so rewarding carries on.
Strange as it was, I know my experience was shared by so many veterans and retirees who preceded me. It was a blessing to be a small part of carrying on their legacy for a few years. I am grateful for each and everyone I met along the way, and want to say thank you to everyone who wore the uniform before me and to everyone who continues to step forward and serve this nation each and every day.
