It Was A Big Deal
Chief Master Sergeant Robert Mark Robertson retired after 30 years of service with the United States Air Force. He is my friend since we were in Boy Scouts, and I was invited to the retirement ceremony.
It was a big deal. I was surprised that such a hubbub would be made over an enlisted man retiring, but they tell me that a Chief's retirement is a big deal. All of us, family and friends, who came from a distance, were escorted to our seats by airmen in dress blues. I had a cute blonde lady airman. Our seats were up front, and I sat next to a Colonel who was once Mark's commanding officer. Another former commanding Colonel flew in from New Jersey for the ceremony, and there was at least one General in attendance.
The current commanding Colonel, who gave a speech outlining Mark's accomplishments, had to stop several times to regain his composure. There is apparently a lot of love there.
The troops made him a lot of mementos. A shadow box with all his decorations and awards in it. A C130 window, mounted and engraved. A C130 framework piece with an engraved, curved piece of glass on it. A clock made from a small turbine blade. I was much impressed by a sword made in the machine shop. It had a heavy double-edged blade of stainless steel, and the handle and hilt were of aluminum, made in the style of a big wrench passing through the old-style USAF
emblem. These swords, I learned, are one-of-a-kind. The troops make them for retiring Chiefs, and no two are alike. Mark's wife complained about having more things to dust. [;)]
I was very pleased that Mark's mom and dad were able to come. They are in their 80s, and his dad has terminal mesothelioma, is very weak and frail, and has very little time left. Mark was given a Distinguished Service Medal during the ceremony, and when it was his time to speak, he pinned the medal on his father, who is a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran, WWII. Mark's daughter also was able to make it. She is nearly 30 now, and I hadn't seen her since she was just a little girl.
I regret that I forgot to bring a camera, but I did give the official photographer my email address and asked him to send me a few.
After the ceremony, there was a nice reception, with food, punch, and even beer. Mark saw to the beer part. Leave it to him to cover the important stuff.
Another thing I was surprised to learn: Retirement is mandatory after 30 years. He probably wouldn't have retired otherwise. Heck, he is only 54, and in great shape.
It was a big deal. I was surprised that such a hubbub would be made over an enlisted man retiring, but they tell me that a Chief's retirement is a big deal. All of us, family and friends, who came from a distance, were escorted to our seats by airmen in dress blues. I had a cute blonde lady airman. Our seats were up front, and I sat next to a Colonel who was once Mark's commanding officer. Another former commanding Colonel flew in from New Jersey for the ceremony, and there was at least one General in attendance.
The current commanding Colonel, who gave a speech outlining Mark's accomplishments, had to stop several times to regain his composure. There is apparently a lot of love there.
The troops made him a lot of mementos. A shadow box with all his decorations and awards in it. A C130 window, mounted and engraved. A C130 framework piece with an engraved, curved piece of glass on it. A clock made from a small turbine blade. I was much impressed by a sword made in the machine shop. It had a heavy double-edged blade of stainless steel, and the handle and hilt were of aluminum, made in the style of a big wrench passing through the old-style USAF
emblem. These swords, I learned, are one-of-a-kind. The troops make them for retiring Chiefs, and no two are alike. Mark's wife complained about having more things to dust. [;)]
I was very pleased that Mark's mom and dad were able to come. They are in their 80s, and his dad has terminal mesothelioma, is very weak and frail, and has very little time left. Mark was given a Distinguished Service Medal during the ceremony, and when it was his time to speak, he pinned the medal on his father, who is a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran, WWII. Mark's daughter also was able to make it. She is nearly 30 now, and I hadn't seen her since she was just a little girl.
I regret that I forgot to bring a camera, but I did give the official photographer my email address and asked him to send me a few.
After the ceremony, there was a nice reception, with food, punch, and even beer. Mark saw to the beer part. Leave it to him to cover the important stuff.
Another thing I was surprised to learn: Retirement is mandatory after 30 years. He probably wouldn't have retired otherwise. Heck, he is only 54, and in great shape.
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A sergeant is actually a non-commissioned officer, I think, and not enlisted.
Chief Master Sergeant at that. I bet everyone under full colonel defers to him on most matters.
I'm sure many will join me in thanking your friend for his years of service to his nation. May he have a long and happy retirement.
Saaa-lute!0 -
nunn, glad you enjoyed the ceremony. They can be impressive.
SaxonPig, you are right and wrong. A sergeant is a noncommissioned officer and an enlisted person. An Air Force Chief Master Sergeant is an E-9, meaning he has reached the pinnacle of his profession. If I remember correctly, about 5% of enlisted personnel make it to E-9. An accomplishment to be proud of.0 -
quote:Originally posted by SaxonPig
A sergeant is actually a non-commissioned officer, I think, and not enlisted.
Chief Master Sergeant at that. I bet everyone under full colonel defers to him on most matters.
I'm sure many will join me in thanking your friend for his years of service to his nation. May he have a long and happy retirement.
Saaa-lute!
Saxon, just to clarify: A Non-Commissioned Officer(E-5 thru E-9) IS an Enlisted Man!
Nunn, sounds like the Master Chief had one helluva distinguished career! Please pass on my/our Congrats and best wishes along with a big, "Thank You!"0 -
Where was the ceremony? 0 -
Sounds like you all had a grand time, Nunn. Thanks for the information on your friend's retirement.
Most military retirement ceremonies surely have their fair amount of pomp and circumstance. In the Corps, the commanding officer conducts a parade on behalf of the retiree(s), band and all. While not as up close and personal as those for Naval and Air Force personnel, it is a stunning affair to be sure.
As JamesRK noted a very small percent of individuals make it to the upper enlisted ranks. The last figures that I recalled for the Corps was that 1% made E-9, and 3% made E-8.0 -
quote:Where was the ceremony?
Little Rock AFB. I had to apologize to SaxonPig for not getting together with him, but I couldn't manage it.0 -
Actually, non-coms start at E-4, Corporal.
We owe much to him.
D.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Doug Wilson
Actually, non-coms start at E-4, Corporal.
We owe much to him.
D.
We're talking about USAF here. Their E-4's used to be NCO's (Sergeant), but this pay grade is now known as Senior Airman. USAF NCO's are E-5 (Staff Sergeant) and above.0 -
God bless the USAF and Chief Robertson.
TB0 -
Good Work. Pass my thanks. 0
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