"I have been a member of the Air Force during two wars
and many changes in the political world ~

I was in Thailand when President Nixon announced a
cease-fire throughout South Vietnam.

I was in Bitburg, Germany when the Berlin Wall crumbled.

I was already deployed and in Saudi Arabia making
sure that F-15's were ready for combat when the
Allied Air attack on Iraq began in 1991.

I was back in Germany in 1991 when the Warsaw Pact
was dissolved and when the Commonwealth of Independent States replaced the Soviet Union ~ two events which
finally ended the Cold War and changed the focus of
military responsibilities."

"My years in the Air Force have been packed with
experiences, challenges and opportunities ~
there have been good times and hard times, rewards and sacrifices."

"As I looked back on the last 30 years in preparing for today,
I realized that I have lived in nine states and four foreign countries and I have visited 19 additional countries. The more countries I visit, the more I realize how much the Unites States has to offer its citizens and how often we take our individual rights for granted. I am proud to be an American and I am
honored to have served in the world's finest Air Force."

"I have spent the last 30 years in the service of the greatest nation in the world, doing my part to help keep her safe and defend the freedom that she promises. Now it is time for me to go and experience our great country."

"Those of you that remain on active duty are in a period of evolution for our forces. You face significant obstacles working with an Air Force that is not only smaller but has more personnel deployed than at any other time during this decade. Adding to that the reduced budget means all of you have many challenges to overcome. I wish all of you the best of luck and I know that, in your capable hands, the United States Air Force will remain the finest in the world."

Retirement Party

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