My Dad's Retirement!

Yesterday, my Dad had his retirement ceremony at WPAFB after 40 years of service! I am so proud of his hard work and all of the accomplishments that he has achieved over the years. My Dad is such a admirable and dedicated person. He has worked hard to give us an amazing life. It is hard to express in words how much I appreciate all that he has done for our family. Some of the benefits of his job were going on business trips all over the United States. My parents favorite place was Hawaii, where he went on three different occasions for work. Eleven years ago, he changed jobs from Flight Control to Safety to insure job security. I know that he has not really enjoyed his job in the Safety department, but he made that sacrifice in order to make sure that he could take care of his family.

At the ceremony, he brought tears to our eyes when he became emotional while talking about how much he cares for his family. I know that everyone in that room felt the love that we share as a family. He was presented with awards, medals, and a flag that was flown over the Capital Building for his years of service. They also mentioned in his ceremony that my parents were celebrating 37 years of marriage on this day! Congrats Dad and Mom!

After the ceremony we went to Fox and Hound for lunch, where he was able to celebrate with us and the people that he has worked with for so many years. He had fun laughing, talking and even getting teased about his age. I think he looks great for 59! They made him and "Old Man" putter that looked like something that they would have used in the caveman days. My Dad is looking forward to relaxing, playing lots of golf, and just enjoying life now that he is retired. He deserves it and I am so happy for him!

Here is a description of what he has done over the past 40 years:

My Father began his career in the Navy, serving a 4 ½ year tour as an Aviation Electronics Technician for an F-4B Fighter Squadron aboard U.S.S FORRESTAL. Following his navy tour, he started work with the Flight Dynamics Laboratory and Flight Control Division.

He worked there for twenty five years in the Research and Development Flight Dynamics Laboratory, where he was the program manager to help develop flight critical control software. This is the software for programs that is in airplanes.

Then he switched over to the Safety division, where he has spent the past 11 years as a Ground Safety Manager providing guidance to the safety professionals within 10 directorates in the United States. The mishap prevention program instruction he established provided guidance and direction for occupational safety and health program for all organizations within the laboratory. When required, he assumed Chief of Safety Duties for AFRL, managing and directing all safety disciplines within the laboratory, and providing guidance to the safety professionals within the ten technology directorates.

His valuable contributions to the Air Force in Flight Control Software Technology and Safety methodology for operations within the Air Force Research Laboratory over the past 40 years are greatly appreciated.