A Tradition of Military Retirements

Military Retirement Ceremonies have become a tradition lately and can range from a large ceremony on the base with troops passing in review and numerous General Officers in attendance, to a simple office ceremony with just a few guests and family members. Today the troops came out in force to celebrate the retirement of Lt Col Thomas E. Miller, Chief of Plans and Programs, for the 919th Special Operations Wing at Duke field.  I first met Tom while I was still working at HQ Air Force Special Operations Command Plans & Programs Office and had to coordinate with him. We also met numerous times for other social activities and the retirement of the MC-130E Combat Talon I  and the disposition of much of the Fulton Surface to Air Recover (STAR) equipment. I also had the privilege of flying MC-130E 64-0523 to Cannon AFB with Tom as the Aircraft Commander and Brig Gen Buck Elton, as Mission Commander and 27 SOW Commander, to give the aircraft a final resting place at Cannon's main gate.

Today, Lt Col Thomas E. Miller, was retired after 33 years of service to the United States Air Force and the Air Force Reserve. It was a full house at the Aircraft Maintenance Hanger Bldg #3029 with a backdrop of the C-145A & C-146A (Wolfhound) supporting the USSOCOM NSAv operation. Tom retired with over 8,400 flying hours. He also led the 919 SOW through numerous changes with the transition from Gunships, to Combat Talons, to the AvFID, to NSAv mission.  Col James M. Phillips, 919 SOW Commander, stated that Tom was truly responsible for the many wing successes and touched every part of the wing as an aircraft commander, to maintenance, to operations support, to combat plans. He will be missed, but was asked to stay on for now as a civilian employee. They just can't do with our him!

After the ceremony, that included a flag folding ceremony by the Honor Guard, all gathered at the 919th Hooch behind the Wing HQs for some socializing, beer, and food.

You might recognize some of the attendees. Thanks for your friendship Tom. WTFB