A 33 year career comes to an end

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Denise Hauser
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Master Sgt. Edward S. Stokes retired from the Air Force Reserve after 33 years of service at a ceremony Feb 20. 

Colonel Gerald E. Vowell, 927th Air Refueling Wing Mission Support Group Commander, led the ceremony with a few amusing tales about Stokes's career as a young airman up to his days as Senior Noncommissioned Officer.

Stokes was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and received his retirement certificate. His wife, Rose,  received a Certificate of Appreciation for her support as a military spouse. Also in attendance were Stokes four children.

The floor was then turned over to Stokes who kept his promise of not getting too choked up during his last speech as a military member.  He thanked all of his unit members, his co-workers, and most of all his family and friends for their outstanding support throughout his career.

Stokes entered in the active duty Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas on Dec. 17, 1970.  After Basic Military Training he was assigned to Sheppard AFB, Texas where he completed Air Cargo Specialist Technical Training.  He was then off to his first duty assignment at Dover AFB Del. 

In 1972, he was reassigned to Anderson AFB in Guam and on completion of his tour and four years as active duty enlistment, he separated. 

In 1983, Stokes continued his career in the Air Force Reserve serving in the 32nd Aerial Port Squadron, Pittsburgh, Penn. 

In 2000, he was reassigned to the 927th Aerial Port Flight, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. 

In April, 2008 Stokes transferred with the 927th Air Refueling Wing to MacDill AFB and served as the 927th Mission Support Group Career Advisor.

Congratulations to Stokes and his family, and thank you for your 33 years of service.