DVIDS – News – Spaulding concludes distinguished navy profession after 35 years of service

Chief Grasp Sgt. Gary L. Spaulding was retired from the Kentucky Air Nationwide Guard throughout a ceremony right here June 12, concluding a 35-year profession of distinguished service to the Commonwealth and nation.

Spaulding, navy personnel administration officer for the Air Part at Joint Forces Headquarters — Kentucky, additionally acquired a Meritorious Service Medal and the Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal on the occasion, which was attended by greater than 100 mates, household and colleagues.

Maj. Gen. Charles Walker, who officiated, referred to as Spaulding “the life, the soul and the conscience” of the Kentucky Air Guard for greater than three a long time.

“There isn’t a one I’ve served with in that point who has had as nice an influence as Gary Spaulding has had on a corporation,” mentioned Walker, director of the Workplace of Complicated Investigations on the Nationwide Guard Bureau and a former chief of employees at Headquarters, Kentucky Air Nationwide Guard.

“Gary Spaulding has been capable of construct relationships, not solely at this group, however at each stage within the Nationwide Guard,” Walker advised the viewers, seated earlier than a C-130 Tremendous Hercules plane within the Upkeep Hangar on the Kentucky Air Nationwide Guard Base.

“They usually’re actual as a result of he’s an actual one that treats everybody with dignity and respect. If I may say one factor about him, he units the usual for human beings and treating folks like they matter.

“He made us all higher,” Walker continued. “He’s the definitive wingman, and there’s no greater praise for an Airman: Somebody you possibly can depend on by way of the great instances, however extra importantly, throughout the dangerous and making an attempt instances.

“So I stand right here with no notes, as a result of I’m talking from the guts a couple of man I respect, and I’m really honored to be part of his ceremony as we speak. He’s one of many most interesting gents I’ve ever met, regardless of rank, place or standing.”

Spaulding enlisted within the Kentucky Air Guard on Jan. 10, 1987. Within the 35 years since, he has held quite a few posts on the 123rd Army Personnel Flight, together with roles in buyer assist, drive administration and personnel administration. Earlier than being named navy personnel administration officer at Headquarters — a job Spaulding will proceed to carry as a federal civilian worker — he additionally served as personnel superintendent.

Throughout his navy profession, Spaulding deployed for Operations JUMP START and RED FLAG, and was mobilized on federal energetic responsibility for 3 years in assist of Operation NOBLE EAGLE, the mission to defend the homeland following the terrorist assaults of 9/11.

As MPMO, Spaulding is the liaison between the 123rd Airlift Wing and the Nationwide Guard Bureau for all personnel actions. He offers employees help and steerage regarding Air Guard personnel, administration, coaching and recruiting to the adjutant basic, the assistant adjutant basic for Air, state employees and particular person models. Spaulding additionally coordinates appointments, evaluations, promotions, discharges and separations; and manages awards and decorations throughout the group.

In his feedback to the viewers, Spaulding thanked his family and friends for his or her assist by way of the years, saying he “couldn’t have carried out this with out you.”

He additionally spoke concerning the uniquely fulfilling nature of navy service, one thing he didn’t but comprehend on the age of 17.

“I didn’t perceive how particular the group that I had simply joined actually was,” Spaulding recalled. “I didn’t perceive that I used to be part of a really distinctive membership, that membership being the 1 % — as a result of just one % of our nation has the privilege of sporting this uniform.

“I spent my whole profession as a human sources specialist, a job that I completely love. I’ve the privilege and the chance to influence folks in so many optimistic methods. Man, what a job. As soon as I used to be employed completely, I knew that this was God’s plan for me. And truthfully, of us, for me personally, there’s no higher feeling than to help folks in serving to them change their lives.”

True to his character, Spaulding has additionally been working to enhance the civilian neighborhood as a member of 100 Black Males of Louisville, a gaggle centered on youth mentoring, schooling, financial improvement, well being and wellness.

As chair of the group’s well being and wellness committee, Spaulding is presently partnering with Metro Parks to determine a youth health program to battle sedentary life.

“Based on the Robert Wooden Johnson Basis, sadly the state of Kentucky leads the best way for childhood weight problems for youth on the ages of 10 to 17 — a 23.8 % price. And that price jumps to twenty-eight.7 for teenagers of shade.

“I’m difficult you as we speak to become involved — assist lead and information our younger women and men,” Spaulding mentioned in his closing remarks. “They’re our future. They want us now greater than ever.

“Thanks all so, a lot for attending as we speak. I actually recognize it. God bless America.”