I retired from a 20-year career in Family & Children's Services in November 2011.
I served as an Air National Guard Tech Sergeant with a Fresno Air National Guard Base fighter unit and a Beale Air Force Base Intel unit (2002-2013). The rank? It's a lo-o-o-ong story. Basically, I got totally out for nine and a half years, came back into the reserves at age 45, got passed over for O-5, and joined the local Air National Guard at my highest previously held enlisted rank (E-5) in 2002.
I totalled 25 qualifying years for retirement, and retired at age 60. I deployed to Bagram Airfield in northern Afghanistan for a couple of months in 2009. That was fun, especially at age 55! And, while 59, I deployed for six months to "an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia." Retired for pay 90 days prior to 60th birthday-- on July 4th, 2013. Fully retired on October 4th, 2013.
Moved to Chico in November 2009. Northern California-- Go Giants!
Other Comments:
I lived in Fresno to take care of my parents during their last days. My dad, a Navy pilot from '42-'65, passed away in December of 2000. My mom passed away in early September of 2008.
