Farewell to the chief

  • Published
  • By Maj. Shannon Mann
  • Public Affairs Office
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. --  The large maintenance hangar, which is normally full of KC-135 aircraft, was instead full of well-wishers during the May unit training assembly. 

On Sunday of the drill weekend, Command Chief Master Sgt. Lester Boltinhouse said good-bye to the 916th Air Refueling Wing, Air Force Reserve. 

"I've been a member of this wing longer than I lived at home," he told the crowd on a warm Sunday afternoon. He served 20 years with the North Carolina tanker wing. 

Chief Boltinhouse had an illustrious active duty and Reserve career that started as a firefighter and ended with the top enlisted job at the wing. During his career he served as the first sergeant of the Civil Engineer Squadron and deployed twice. In September 2006 he was tagged for the top enlisted job at the 916th. 

He'd tell anyone that his focus was the people, which was evident in the turnout for his ceremony. Commanders, first sergeants and command chiefs recounted tales of his actions during his career that showed his sincere concern for the men and women he worked with over the years. The chief himself became emotional as he recounted fond memories, thanked a loving and supportive family and viewed his Airmen for the last time. 

As the ceremony came to a close, 4th Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Patricia Thornton led the wing in a reflective and energetic Airman's Creed for Chief Boltinhouse. 

Chief Boltinhouse plans to continue his service to country by working as an educator and coach in the local school system. He also plans to share his leadership insight and military experiences in a book. 

So while his military time is over in the Air Force Reserve, he is certainly far from being done.