927th Mission Support Group Commander retires after 36 year career

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  • By Dena Vanlengen
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FL --  Colonel Dennis Seymour, 927 Mission Support Group Commander, retired during a ceremony held at MacDill Air Force Base on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 2 pm.

As commander of the MSG, Seymour oversaw the plans, programs, and services of three squadrons during his final duty assignment with the 927th Air Refueling Wing.

“It really hasn’t hit just yet,” Seymour said. “I’m excited (to retire), a little nervous, but it hasn’t hit home yet.”

Seymour enlisted in the Air Force in 1976 as an aircraft maintainer before receiving his commission in 1990. Throughout his 36 year military career, Seymour served many roles including squadron and flight commander and multiple locations, and Director of Manpower and Personnel at 4th Air Force Headquarters, March Air Reserve Base, California.

“I felt the best way of saying what I wanted to say, doing what I wanted to do and leading how I wanted to lead was as an officer,” Seymour said. “It was a worthy endeavor to pursue the commission.”

According to Seymour, a career in the military requires a great deal of devotion and strength. Seymour relied heavily on his backbone of faith, as well as the strength of his family throughout his career in the Air Force.

“There is no question, none whatsoever, that my faith is my strength,” Seymour said. “Honestly, my family has been so supportive of me and of what I do in my career, I have been blessed to have the family that I do.”

The passion and respect that Seymour carries for the Air Force, but specifically the Airmen, is evident to anyone that speaks with him. He speaks highly of those he has led, and stood beside, during his career.

“Well, I very much enjoyed, and still enjoy what I’m doing.” Seymour said. “The art of leading people, and so many ways of being led and taught by them – that never ends, but there comes a time when you know it’s time, and that’s where I’m at now.”

Seymour continued by saying the Airmen have made an everlasting impact on his life, one that he will hold close to his heart forever.

“The airmen are incredible - the amount of work they do, the quality of the work they do, the feelings they have for the mission, feelings they have for the other troops – they are the best of the best,” Seymour said.

Seymour worked with many people during his career and is extremely thankful for every lesson, memory and even hardship. However, there are two people who he immediately thinks of today when he reflects on where he is now and where he started in his career.

“So many people stand out, but I actually wrote about two of them – my very first supervisor when I came in as an airman, and most recently, retired Major General Mark Kyle,” Seymour said. “Throughout the years, enlisted for ten and then commissioned, there were so many mentors, friends and supporters that supported me - way too many to mention.”

Seymour has big plans for after he retires. He plans on finishing his study of military history, possibly teaching and coaching. However, he has one major long-term plan.

“Most of all, I’m going to watch my girls live their lives, that will be my long-term plan.” Seymour said.

As for the men and women that helped Seymour get to where he is today, the men and women that he has led and those that will be tomorrow’s leaders, Seymour had one final statement for them.

“It’s your turn now, your turn to lead, don’t let me down, don’t let those troops down,” Seymour said. “Take care of yourself, Godspeed.”