General Chandler honored during retirement ceremony
Posted 1/18/2011
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by Tech. Sgt. Jess Harvey
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
1/18/2011 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (AFNS) -- Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler, the 37th vice chief of staff of the Air Force, marked the conclusion of his Air Force career among family, friends and colleagues during his retirement ceremony here Jan. 14.
The ceremony honored the many accomplishments of General Chandler during his 36-year career in the Air Force. His official retirement date is March 1.
"I've greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work with the headquarters staff, both military and civilian," said General Chandler, who had been assigned to the Pentagon three different times in his career.
"If you're going to make a difference, this is the place to do it," he said.
General Chandler thanked Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz for the opportunity to make a difference.
General Chandler was retired by Gen. John P. Jumper, the 17th chief of staff of the Air Force, who spoke of the dedication and loyalty General Chandler has shown during his Air Force career.
"Howie, as you go on to the next phase of your life, you can be very proud of what you left this nation and this Air Force," General Jumper said.
He also noted that, even though the Air Force is losing a good officer, he knows General Chandler will always be ready to help the Air Force.
General Jumper then lauded the accomplishments of General Chandler, who began his career after graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1974.
General Chandler went on to accumulate more than 3,900 flight hours as a command pilot in the T-38 Talon, F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon. He also commanded a major command, a numbered air force, two fighter wings, a support group and a fighter squadron.
"It's been a rewarding experience," said General Chandler, in reference to his time in the service.
"It's often been a thrill a minute, but I'd be lying if I told you that every day was a ray of sunshine," he said.
But in the end, he said, the pluses of his career far outweighed the minuses.
During his distinguished career, the general earned many awards and decorations, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal with three oak-leaf clusters, the Defense Superior Service Medal with one oak-leaf cluster and the Legion of Merit.
General Chandler closed the ceremony by crediting the successes he has seen in his career to the men and women of the Air Force and their families.
"As Gen. David Jones was fond to say, 'Without strong families, we have no strong Airmen,'" General Chandler said. "They are the heart and soul of our Air Force." |
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