Former command chief reflects on 33 years of service to nation

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. (ret.) Kirby Schueler
  • Former 302nd Airlift Wing command chief
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  (Editor's note: Chief Master Sgt. (ret.) Kirby Schueler was the command chief of the 302nd Airlift Wing from October 2005 to February 2009. The wing hosted a retirement ceremony for the chief Feb. 7, 2009, in recognition of his many years of service to the U.S. and its citizens.) 

As I leave uniformed service after 33 years, I have spent countless hours thinking about the past. The things that have transpired over the years, the missions, deployments and the places I have travelled all over the world and especially the people that I came into contact with. 

I joined this wing in 1987 and have loved every moment of my service with you. In 2005 I was selected as your command chief. What an incredibly humbling experience and what a great job to retire from. I had an opportunity to represent the enlisted concerns and meet many of you over the last three and a half years. 

I hope that the people I influenced over the span of my years learned something from me; I know I learned a lot from them. We are part of a history and heritage unlike any other, during a time frame in history unparalleled. We have been at war now for eight years and unlike the days of the Cold War, the role of the Air Force Reservist is a continuous operations tempo versus a 30-day surge. 

I encourage you to stay focused on the mission at hand. Train as if a life was impacted by it, because most of the time it is. Wear the uniform with pride, conduct yourselves as professionals, trust those placed in positions of leadership over you and never forget those that served proudly before you. I leave, a chief from the past to make room for you ... the future. 

I am extremely proud of our service and record of accomplishment together and mostly just proud of you.