Photo By Tech. Sgt. Lee Murphy | Chief Master Sgt. Anna C. Ayars, a paralegal with the legal office in the 153d Airlift...... read more read more
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CHEYENNE, Wyo. — As the popular African proverb goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” This summarizes Chief Master Sgt. Anna Ayars’ amazing 32-year career. One common theme emerged from all those who spoke at her retirement ceremony on Dec. 6, 2025: the Guard is one big family.
In a filled Reiner Auditorium, Ayars expressed her gratitude for all the valuable lessons she learned throughout her time wearing the uniform. Ayars started her remarks with a heartfelt thank you to her family and friends in attendance. She attributed her success to those around her, claiming the support of family and friends is what paved the way.
“It was never a me thing; it’s always been a we thing,” said Ayars. “The military is a family. It’s about being there for one another, aways having your Wingman’s back—no matter what. That’s the most important thing.”
Sharing the joyous occasion with her was Ayars’ husband of 27 years, Silvio Ayars, a retired U.S. Air Force member, along with countless family members, friends and colleagues. Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Chris Smith served as the presiding officer of the ceremony. Ayars thanked Smith for his mentorship and encouragement over the years.
“Without his support—pushing me, providing me with opportunities and encouraging me to take them—I wouldn’t have made chief. I wouldn’t be the paralegal I am today,” Ayars said.
Smith opened by thanking Ayars’ family for their support and sacrifice throughout the years. He shared a story from their time working together in the legal office. Ayars, he said, would bring people in from across the country to perform short paralegal tours supporting the Wyoming Military Department. He affectionally referred to this as “taking in strays,” showcasing Ayars’ constant desire to develop those around her and bolster the legal community within the Guard. He also referenced her longtime love for animals and said she developed a reputation for welcoming stray cats into her household.
In her 32 years of service, taking care of Airmen was Ayars’ single greatest takeaway—the importance of being there for each other. She explained how the camaraderie built within the service is unlike anything else. She painted a clear roadmap for having a successful career: build each other up, mentor one another, and prioritize the needs of others.
At one point during the ceremony, several members of the Wyoming National Guard legal team, past and present, joined Ayars on stage and offered a fun, symbolic gesture to represent her send-off into retirement and next step toward law school. They loaded her up with dozens of legal textbooks that she’d eventually need to dig into as she continues her education.
Ayars recalled several core memories from her early active-duty years to her time spent with the New Jersey Air National Guard. She began her military journey in traffic management and even drove a truck serving stateside and abroad and concluded her career as the law office administrator for the Wyoming Air National Guard. She epitomized the saying “grow where you’re planted.” Each step along the way was a vital milestone that led her to where she is today, retiring at the highest enlisted rank and earning the Legion of Merit.
The ceremony included personal touches that made it unique to Ayars. It served as a beautiful send-off to a leader who led with compassion and grit, evolving from the many lessons learned along the way. Ayars overcame adversity and countless challenges with the help of some great mentors, caring teammates, and personal determination. With each hardship passed, she became a stronger role model for all Airmen.
The ceremony made one thing very clear: at some point or another, we are all strays—looking for direction, needing guidance. Just know that someone from this one big family will bring you in, keeping the cycle alive, helping you eventually become the next Chief Anna Ayars.
| Date Taken: | 12.28.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 01.05.2026 13:37 |
| Story ID: | 555312 |
| Location: | CHEYENNE, WYOMING, US |
| Hometown: | CHEYENNE, WYOMING, US |
| Web Views: | 351 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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Retirement Ceremony
Air National Guard
