Former US Army Alaska Aviation Task force commander retires on Fort Wainwright

United States Army Alaska
Story by Sgt. Sean Callahan

Date: 08.21.2013
Posted: 08.22.2013 15:16
News ID: 112418
Retirement Ceremony

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - Lt. Col. Carl L. Casey, a resident of Alaska, recently returned from Camp Red Cloud, South Korea, where he served his last tour in the Army.

Casey, a former U.S. Army Alaska Aviation Task Force commander, attended his retirement ceremony here Aug. 21 to celebrate his 30 years of service in the U.S. Army.

Current U.S. Army Alaska Aviation Task Force Commander Col. Nicholas R. Snelson said “even as a Lieutenant Colonel, when he was no longer permitted to touch anything on a helicopter or turn any wrenches, he still loved to wonder around the hanger and when the staff need to find him, they first started in hanger one on the hanger floor and then worked their way backwards to where he should have been working in his office.”

“We should constantly be helping the next generation be all that they can be so that they are ready to take our place and take the army to the next higher level and continue to protect our constitution and our great country for many many more generations and beyond.” said Casey during his farewell speech.

Among Casey’s awards and decorations include: Two Bronze Star Medals, Four Meritorious Service Medals, Iraq and Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Army Senior Aviators badge, Air Assault Badge and Airborne Badge.

Casey plans to remain in Fairbanks, Alaska after retirement where he will continue his service to the community as a chemistry and math teacher at the Tanana Middle School.