Retirement Day

 The ceremony was absolutely beautiful!  

Again, having our family and friends there made it all that more special. 

This was the sign while entering the base. 

The Color Guard

Payton singing the National Anthem.  

A song that I can't get through without tears. It was extra special on this day. 

Some of the gang...

More folks...(I love the 943rd Chaplain! When he came to the unit - Max told him to be a chaplain and to not worry about political correctness. And he did just that. He honored our Lord Jesus Christ without hesitation!). 

I was presented with an award. (Not sure why??) 

I am not used to having pictures of me. I'm usually on the other side of the lens. Strange feeling.
Glad they captured me before the ugly, cry face that soon came. I tried to hold it together, so not to make Max tear up since he was doing so well.) :)

 General Padilla officiated the ceremony.  He has been our dear friend for over eight years, and Max would not have asked any one else. He and his wife, Vicky, came from California for the entire weekend. 

At last he gives his speech.  He did a wonderful job (as usual!). 

He summed up his 36 year career in a 10 minutes speech.
 It was informative, fascinating, intriguing and sentimental. All who love him were bursting with pride on his accomplishments and all the lives saved because of him and the others who served with him. 

 

Next was a briefing and tour to the Bone Yard....(I stayed behind to set up for the food). 

But my (hired!) photographer, Payton, went along and captured some shots.  :) 

These pics were of some of the passengers on the bus. My friend, Marla, and her son Corbin drove in from LA for the day! She is an amazing friend like that. 

I love this picture. She was worth the money for capturing the beautiful snow capped AZ mountains.

Next was his Fini-Flight... (last military flight)

He had a great last flight, and was able to land on the mountain.  

A group shot of everyone on board.



Getting ready to land...

The spraying of the firetrucks was a nice surprise. 

Having several fire fighters in our family made this extra special. 

The fight begins. They take him, tie him to a stretcher and....

.....spray him down with champagne....

......then dunk him a tub of green (cold!) water filled with sea dye. Brrrr....

He thought he fooled them with sneaking on a wet suit, but unfortunately, he still caught a cold. Bummer. 

Then the kids and I get to spray his feet with green paint.

 It was so much fun...until it came time to wash it off. Every loofah and washcloth in my shower is now green. :)

Now he signs and dates it...and it goes up in a building ceiling. 

Next was reception time....good food and good company. 

The end to a blessed career...so thankful to our Lord for keeping him safe all those years and over 6,000 hours flying.

 He is on to his next chapter...which has consisted this past week of finding an office space for him, and also finding a home for so many thoughtful gifts.
Even though he had a cold this past week. I think he has enjoyed not "having" to go anywhere or do anything.  

But the fun doesn't end here....he turned 60 the day after his retirement. To be continued.... :)