Wing commander bids farewell

  • Published
  • By Col. Ronald A. Rutland
  • 512th AW commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do; Duty, Honor, Country; Semper Fi ... These are all simple words; but, for those who wear the uniform, these words define who we are and why we serve. 

When I came into the Air Force in 1973, we were at war in Southeast Asia. It's now 34 years later, and we are fighting in the Middle East. We've been engaged in continuous combat operations in that area for the past 16 years and will remain there long after the ground forces depart. 

The Air Force can't do this mission without the support of its dedicated wingman, the Air Force Reserve. As a reservist, I know wearing this uniform isn't just a second job, but a profession. 

In this profession, I am fortunate to have been given the sacred trust of command. It has been an honor and a privilege to lead the outstanding men and women of the 512th Airlift Wing, as well as the 447th Air Expeditionary Group in Iraq, during my deployment last summer. Witnessing Airmen working side-by-side with Soldiers, Sailors and Marines was a highlight of my career. 

Wearing this uniform, I've experienced almost every emotion - great joy, pride, honor, happiness and extreme sadness and loss. 

Our way of life has never come easy. Those of us in military service have sacrificed much, and many have made the ultimate sacrifice. Those of us who have lost friends understand. We will never forget. 

Team Dover has the unique privilege of receiving back to American soil those who have given their all. William Ewart Gladstone, (1809-1898) four-time prime minister of Great Britain said, "Show me the manner in which a nation or a community cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender sympathies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land and their loyalty to high ideals." 

I'm very proud to say that my years of service have allowed me to work with men and women who share these high ideals and understand the sacrifices that must be made to preserve this great nation and our way of life. 

These Airmen understand that wearing the uniform is a legacy of service and sacrifice. In my case, service has been a family tradition. I'm proud to say my father served in the Army Air Corp in England, North Africa and Italy and went on to a career in the U.S. Air Force; my father-in-law flew the Hump as a crew chief in China, Burma and India; and, my uncle flew as a gunner and medical corpsman in the PBY Catalina in the Southwest Pacific. They are my legacy. And now, as my career draws to a close, I prepare to pass the baton to the next generation of Airmen who will forge their own destiny and legacy.
I'm reminded of a quote by Gen. Douglas MacArthur. 

"Old soldiers never die. They just fade away. And like the old soldier in that ballad, I now close my military career and just fade away, an old soldier who tried to do his duty as God gave him the sight to see that duty." 

I told someone the other day if I had to do it over again; I'd do it exactly the same. My only sadness is the thought of not being around those who wear the uniform. 

I wouldn't have accomplished nearly as much during my career had it not been for my family's support and love. Although we have medals to recognize service among military members, our families have only our unending gratitude. Thank you Tanya, Rob, Elizabeth and Meghan for allowing me to be part of the greatest Air Force in the history of the world. 

On behalf of Tanya and me, thank you for allowing us to be part of the Liberty Wing family. God has blessed us abundantly with good friends, fond memories and the opportunity to serve with our Dover family--the 512th, the 436th and the men and women from the communities around Dover Air Force Base. 

May He bless each and every one of you for service, dedication and love of country.