Retiring as a Captain and Master Sergeant

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shawn Rhodes
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Frank Guarnieri didn't expect things would change so much in four decades.

"When I first came in the military, they spit on me at the airport," said Guarnieri. "Now, every time I'm out in my uniform I don't go five minutes without something shaking my hand and thanking me."

The military has been part of Master Sgt. Guarnieri's life since he joined the Army's Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1971. His service came to an end Thursday, Jan 10, when he retired from the 927th Air Refueling Wing here after 37 years of military service.

"Guarnieri joined the military the same year Disneyland opened," said Col. Dave Pavey, commander of the 927th ARW. "We were also in the midst of a very unpopular war. It was hard on the military, and hard on those joining."

The unassuming man with the easy smile was commissioned in the Army in 1975 as an Army infantry officer.

"Being an Army infantry officer means you are the face of the United States when at war," said Pavey. "Guarnieri has seen the military go through a lot, and as a result your experience has been invaluable to us."

After sixteen years of serving the Army on active duty and in the reserves, he was discharged as a captain.

"I loved the camaraderie and the lifestyle," Guarnieri said. "I couldn't stay away."

He joined the Air Force the very next year. Since then, he served in the command post and was instrumental in making sure his unit was able to fight her nation's battles.

"Guarnieri personally managed over 2,500 refueling missions," said Pavey.

His service earned him the Meritorious Service Medal, presented to him during his retirement ceremony.

Guarnieri will continue working for the Air Force as a civilian. Not even civilian clothes can hide four decades of military experience, after all.