147th Commander Retires

147th Attack Wing Public Affairs (Texas Air National Guard)
Story by Airman 1st Class Siarah Rodriguez

Date: 12.01.2018
Posted: 12.19.2018 14:30
News ID: 304382

ELLINGTON FIELD JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas (Dec. 1, 2018) --Col. Gary D. Jones, the former commander of the 147th Attack Wing, was honored at a retirement ceremony Dec. 1, 2018, at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Texas.

Jones was recognized for his many accomplishments over his 24 years of service to the U. S. Air Force.

“Today is about saying farewell to a great leader, a great friend, a great colonel, and a great commander,” said Maj. Gen. David McMinn, the commander and chief of staff for the Texas Air National Guard. “He was commissioned nearly 23 years ago, it’s a well deserved retirement.”

Jones was accompanied by family, friends and members of the 147th Attack Wing as he was awarded for his dedication as commander of the wing. Jones was given multiple awards and gifts from those that have worked alongside him.

“The past two years have been the highlight of my military career, and it’s been because of y’all,” said Jones. “The 147th is a world class organization not because of me, but because of you. Thank you for making us successful over and over.”

Jones worked at the headquarters of the Air Combat Command before becoming a program manager at the Department of Defense. He came to the 147th Air National Guard as an MQ1 predator pilot and continued to hold important roles leading up to the position of wing commander.

Jones, who relinquished command of the wing in Nov. 2018, will officially retire Jan. 2019.