Mission Support Group Commander Ends 38-Year Career for New Chapter

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Shawn Rhodes
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Colonel Rodney Bryan, former commander of the 927th Mission Support Group, retired Aug. 3 after a 38-year career in the Air Force during a ceremony held here.

During the ceremony, Bryan was presented with the Legion of Merit, the sixth highest award given to members of the Armed Forces. The ceremony was attended by the commander of the 927th Air Refueling Wing, Col. Doug Schwartz, Bryan's wife, and other commanders and honorary commanders of MacDill units.

"Colonel Bryan joined the 927th at a very turbulent time," Schwartz said during the ceremony. "There were a lot of challenges with inspections and personnel issues, but this man knocked it out of the park."

Schwartz added that there was no way Bryan could have envisioned a career spanning 38 years when he joined the military, and that he was excited about seeing where this new phase of life would take him.

"We hate to see one of our own go, but I remain excited for you because there's a new chapter ahead," said Schwartz.

Bryan was presented with the award during the ceremony, which is one of two United States military awards that may be worn around the neck. He received the award for directing and supervising an effort that led to an excellent rating for an Air Force Reserve Command consolidated unit inspection.

Bryan addressed the gathered family, friends, and servicemembers by recognizing the most important influences in his life and recognizing the men and women he served with.
"The thing I have to thank the Lord for most is my wife," Bryan said. "She's never wavered in encouraging me and giving me support."

He added that the servicemembers in his command played a key role in his career and success as well.

"I appreciate all the hard work and support you've given me," Bryan said as he addressed the crowd of men and women in uniform. "I couldn't have done this without you."