Chief luncheon brings past and present together to honor retiree

Several chief master sergeants, active and retired, came together to honor retiring Command Chief Master Sgt. Scott McKenzie at Springfield Air National Guard Base, Springfield, Ohio, June 3.

Reminiscing on the start of his career, McKenzie said he still remembered coming to the base with his father, who was also a chief master sergeant at the 178th Wing, when he was only eight years old and soon knew what he wanted his career to be.

“It’s bittersweet to leave the guard after such a long time,” said McKenzie. “But now it’s time for me to spend more time with my other family.”

Among those attending the luncheon, retired Chief Master Sgt. Ron Ray, the 178th Wing command chief master sergeant between 2000 and 2002, said McKenzie has always been a great troop who really cared about his people and his job.

“He has a tremendous integrity and he learned that work ethic from his father,” said Ray.

McKenzie is retiring June 3 after nearly 37 years at the 178th Wing.

McKenzie is succeeded by the incoming Command Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker.