94th AW Command Chief Retires Published April 3, 2011 By Senior Airman Spencer Gallien 94th Airlift Wing DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- After 33 years of service, one chief master sergeant has 'left it all out on the field,' 'squeezed all the juice out of his proverbial lemon' and gave 100 percent to his career as an American Airmen. The 94th Airlift Wing gathered with the friends, family, peers and ranking officers of Command Chief Master Sgt. John Anderson to wish him a fond farewell as he officially retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Chief Anderson began his career in 1978 as an active duty Airman specializing in fire protection. After four years of active duty service, he entered the Air Force Reserve and started his journey toward becoming command chief of the 94 AW. He spent more than two and a half years as the command chief here helping groom an enlisted force of more than 1,000 Airmen. One common bond that the Chief and Col. Timothy E. Tarchick, 94 AW commander, shared, yet was not realized until the end of their tenure together, was the time they spent in basic training together. "Chief Anderson entered the Air Force on April 18, 1978, one day before I did," said Colonel Tarchick. "Ironically, we found out a few nights ago we were at basic training together and we didn't even know it. We both graduated from basic training in June of 1978." During his time as command chief, Chief Anderson fostered a special relationship with the Airmen of the 94 AW. "John (Chief Anderson) is a teacher, mentor and coach," said Colonel Tarchick. "He always had time for every Airman on the base." Chief Anderson's impact on the base was so great, that an annual award will be named after him. The award was created to reflect the Chief's attitude, which was to 'leave it all out on the field.' "As a legacy to your passion and concern to the Air Force, the Airmen, your pursuit of perfection and the total embodiment of the Air Force core values--I have created the 'Chief Master Sergeant John M. Anderson Linebacker Award,'" Colonel Tarchick added. The "Linebacker Award" will be awarded to the Airman who most demonstrates the embodiment of the U.S. Air Force core values and leadership, who goes above and beyond demonstrating his or her concern for their fellow Airmen, and makes significant contributions to the 94 AW, said Colonel Tarchick. Chief Anderson's wife, Donna Anderson, children and grandchildren were also recognized for their faithful support during his 33 years of service. "Mrs. (Donna) Anderson has been a cornerstone of strength and courage for Chief Anderson and their family," said Senior Master Sgt. Chad Ronnebaum, Chief Anderson's retirement ceremony orator. "Her steadfast dedication to both her family and the Air Force family has contributed immeasurably toward the success of her husband and the accomplishment of the mission." In 2008, the Chief saw an advertisement to become the command chief of the 94 AW and began the process of applying for the position. After earning the privilege of becoming the command chief, Chief Anderson went to work mentoring Airmen, revitalizing the enlisted force structure here and providing guidance to Airmen of all ranks. During his heartfelt farewell, Chief Anderson thanked his family, friends and the Airmen he has spent the past three years mentoring. "It's been my honor to serve with you Airmen. You've made me proud," said Chief Anderson. "These Airmen are the reason we can go on vacation, cast a vote and invest our money freely. They are the reason we have a free nation. Freedom is not free, nobody said it was going to be easy. These people put their life on the line "How do they do it?" asked Chief Anderson. "It's called a C-130H model. I had the distinct honor on multiple occasions to get in that airplane and fly with these Airmen. They are fine Airmen with a capital 'A.' I've been able to be a part of the Air Force mission, which is to aim high, fly, fight and win." The Chief also left everyone with one final piece of advice. "This old Airman is about to retire," added Chief Anderson. "Airmen...I just want to tell you, you don't want to be in this position right here with any juice left in that lemon. You squeeze it and you provide all you have because when you stand up here to retire, you want to be able to say that you gave 100 percent." Incoming Chief Master Sgt. Wendell Peacock will assume Chief Anderson's command chief duties here May 1.
