Family always: Reserve Chief retires from only reserve combat search and rescue wing

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Natasha Dowridge
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. --  After serving in the Air Force Reserve for 27 years, Chief Master Sgt. Randall Becker, 920th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent, retired during a ceremony with his friends, family and Reserve comrades in attendance Jan. 11 at Patrick.

With more than one-third of the Patrick Air Force Base Theater full, Reservists proudly watched as Becker was officially retired, receiving his symbolic retirement pin.

The presiding officer, Col. Charlene Nelson, 920th Maintenance Group commander, shared warm and uplifting stories of the chief, and personally thanked his family for their sacrifice and support throughout his military career.

Looking back at his deployment history, there were many birthdays, anniversaries and holidays that were missed, Nelson said. She also said she wanted to sincerely thank the chief's family from the bottom of her heart for sharing Becker with all the men and women of the 920th Rescue Wing.

Becker, who served in the Navy for 10 years, transitioned to the Air Force Reserve as an avionics technician at Homestead AFB, Fla., in July 1986. Becker transferred to the 301st Rescue Squadron in 1992, six weeks prior to the devastation of Hurricane Andrew.

Since then, Becker has deployed in support of Operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

"There's not one thing that this wing has done that Chief Becker wasn't a part of," Nelson said.

While serving at the highest enlisted rank, Becker oversaw more than 85 enlisted personnel while managing the sortie generation effort for the 920th RQW's nine HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters and six HC-130P/N King refueling aircraft.

"He is very protective of his folks," said Nelson who compared the Chief to a 'momma bear.'

Commemorating Becker's retirement, Airmen from the Honor Guard unfolded the refolded an American flag for Becker before presenting it to him. Following suit, Becker's daughter pinned the official retirement pin to his dress blue uniform coat, symbolizing his transition from active reserve duty to retired status.

Also joining in on celebrating his retirement, various Airmen shared stories of Becker's tough love, hard work and dedication to his fellow Airmen.

"I promise you Chief, you'll never see me outside with sunglasses on my head or without a hat on," joked Lt. Col. David Cooksey, 920th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander.

Toward the end of the ceremony, chiefs from throughout the wing took center stage to congratulate the retiring chief. The Space Coast Chief Group also presented him with an award that stated, "Warrior by choice, leader by example and chief by action."

After all the laughs and stories, Becker thanked his family and friends for their unwavering support over the past three decades.

"I've had some extreme family highs and lows as well as career highs and lows, and my family has always been consistent with working me through it," Becker said. "Don't lose sight of you reservists, they are your family. You have a bond that can't be broken."