ASTS Commander retires after nearly 30 years

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Peter Dean
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  The 302nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron Commander and dentist, Col. Sheldon "Shel" Omi will hang up his uniform for the last time during the January Unit Training Assembly after almost 30 years of esteemed military service. The colonel began his military career in 1982 after being accepted in the Air Force's General Practice Residency Program and has been serving his country since.
 
In 1986, after active duty the colonel set up shop in the private sector but still longed to serve his country.

"A friend of mine mentioned the Guard, it was one weekend a month, two weeks a year and still serving our country. After talking with the Guard recruiter, I decided it was for me," said the colonel.

For the next 20 years or so, the colonel served his country part-time with the Guard and then the Air Force Reserve. In 2002 the colonel accepted his first command position as commander of the Air National Guard's 140th Medical Group, Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. From there he transferred to an IMA position at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. and in 2008 he joined the 302nd ASTS. In 2010 he accepted his final assignment as commander of the Air Force Reserve's 302nd ASTS.

As the commander of the 302nd ASTS, Colonel Omi had the opportunity to spend a couple weeks in rural Malawi Africa, where he and his Airmen administered dental care to those who otherwise would not have received it. "The need was overwhelming, people walked for miles and waited hours for care, it's a picture embedded into my mind that will never leave," said the colonel.

"I have had many memorable experiences that will stick with me forever. While serving in the Colorado Air National Guard on our annual tour, we set up tents in local communities offering free dental care to homeless and those with low income. It was very rewarding; helping the local community-- preventive dental care is one of those things that most people put on the back burner, until they have a problem", said the colonel.

The colonel also fondly remembers fun times, and the great people he's met throughout his military career. One of the colonel's most memorable experiences was being selected for a two week flight school putting him in the back seat of an F-16 to experience the affects of flight on the human body. Omi said that was an experience that was indescribable, and a thrill of a lifetime.

Reflecting upon his nearly 30 years Colonel Omi said, during my career, I have noticed a huge difference from the day where we [Air Force Reservists] were considered weekend warriors. Today's Airmen are well trained in wartime skills, fitness, and are ready when called upon," said the colonel. For upcoming Airmen or potential recruits, Omi said this, "I would say have a plan and stick to it, stay current your military training, your fitness and be the best Airman you can be."