After 36 years of service to the nation, Senior Master Sgt. Herbert Pfeiffer retired from the U. S. Air Force Reserves during a ceremony held Oct. 1 at the Academic Instructor School large auditorium.
Pfeiffer was most recently assigned to the 908th Civil Engineer Squadron, 908th Airlift Wing.
During the ceremony Pfeiffer’s career was highlighted by Chief Master Sgt. Bill Rupinen, 908th Electrical Superintendent “Pfeiffer used his 36 years of experience to ensure flawless deployment of Airmen to six Silver Flag exercises and over 1,500 annual tours. In 2012, he led the successful training and equipping of 25 Airmen in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.”
Rupinen goes on to mention, “Pfeiffer was also key in properly training and mobilizing 40 Airmen to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, for Operation Patriot Warrior leading to Air Force Reserve Command’s commendation of the 908th Civil Engineer Squadron capabilities. In 2015, he spearheaded the inventory and relocation of more than $650,000 in mobility assets to the reserve command central storage facility. Pfeiffer was vital in the success of the combined 908th Civil Engineer Squadron and 622nd Expeditionary Combat Support Training and Certification Center super unit training assembly. The first ever event included a squadron leadership review of the brand new Airfield Damage Repair process as well as hands on training for 50 Airmen.”
Rupinen also noted, “Pfeiffer was responsible for more than $12 million in facility sustainment and re-modernization for nine 908th AW building projects to include a new flight operations building and interior renovations.”
Commander of the 908th Civil Engineer Squadron, Lt. Col. Patrick Albrecht talked very fondly of Pfeiffer and his time with the unit.
“It’s going to be a challenge for us going forward to fill that position with all he brought to the unit,” said Albrecht. “He has lots of knowledge and his are going to be big shoes to fill. We are going to miss him and his willingness to step up and answer the call with anything we needed.”
Pfeiffer took sometime after the ceremony to address the crowd.
“It’s been a long road with lots of hard times and lots of people,” said Pfeiffer. “To serve, to train, to go to war, that’s why we are here. I’ve seen awful things and I’ve seen great things and I wouldn’t change anything I’ve done.”
Finally, Pfeiffer closed the ceremony by saying, “Twenty years in the 908th is a long time. We have always been a family and we stay a family.”