The Air Force Life

The post is a long time coming.  As I sit here, it has been a couple months since my retirement ceremony.  I have been very busy with the movers and getting things in place here at the new casa.  Kathryn and I made our trek to Texas via Mississippi to visit family.  We visited my Aunt and Uncle who had not seen Kathryn since she was 6 months old.  It was fun.

I need to pass great thanks to Leah, Malia, Wendy, Ana, Chris, John, Kyle and Steve.  They make up my work family.  We have had some good laughs and have truly become family.  I thank all of you for your excellent work on the retirement ceremony.  It was spot-on, the best!  Leah, I thank you for taking the lead and ensuring each detail was covered.  Great job to all.  I will miss you guys!

I also want to thank Scott.  Thanks for helping me arrange the special presentation from my Dad and the awesome tours.  My family does not live near an air force base and they really enjoyed the tour.  Lots of cool Air Force toys that we all see every day.  Thanks!

I could not have chosen a better officer to officiate the ceremony.  Lt Col Vattioni, I knew you would make it fun, and that was what I was looking for.  Your approach to the ceremony was awesome!  I cannot thank you and Jessica enough.  You made it special.  I hope our paths cross again soon... ci vediamo in Italia?

It was great to have my friends travel from far and wide to help me celebrate.  If there is one thing I can say about the Air Force it is that we are big family.  We go from base to base doing the mission. We stay in touch with the help of email and Facebook.  Thanks to Jim and Michele, Scott and Jeri, Mike and Noy, Tim and Cathy, Mary, Chris, Steve and Cathy,  and Mercedes and Monika for taking time out of their schedule to make the trip.

Family.  There were nine that made the trip from Michigan.  Mom and Dad, Cherlynn, Corinne, Kathryn, Janet, Holly and Sammy and Lilly.  They picked up two more in Alabama:  Tearl and Carrie. We also had Monica's family come in from Canada and Italy.  Anita, Gianni and Alessandro.  Family is important.  Thanks to mine for coordinating their schedules to come down to Florida in the summer... It must have been rough.  :)  Hey Sammy, coin check!

Also, to Leigh.  I remember you when you were a shiny new Airmen coming from Technical Training.  We ended up living a block or two from each other.  Who could have predicted that we would be stationed together twice and that you would start a photography business so you could take photos at my ceremony!  Just kidding.  Thanks for everything Leigh! (and Tim)

I know this is a long blog, but I wanted to document some thoughts since some of my friends around the world were unable to attend due to mission, work or other issues.  I know you would have made it if you could.

Below is Lt Col Vattioni's speech, my speech and then Jason and Jessica's Top Ten list that Jason read at dinner.  Awesome!

Lieutenant Colonel Vattioni's Speech

Senior Master Sergeant King's Speech

Top Ten Reasons Why Chris King is Cool

Photos can be found on my FB page.

Thanks everyone!  It was an awesome way to close this chapter.  As for the next chapter, well, that begins next week.  I will start work as the Joint Family Support Assistance Program Consultant for Military One Source.  I am excited about continuing work that I love.  I am humbled by the opportunity and grateful for the confidence others have in me.  

Ci sentiamo/until next time.

ck


Here is the video of the ceremony.  Posted 22 Jan 2014.