Col. Al Reif, 940th Air Refueling Wing commander, shares a moment with Air Force Reservist Chief Master Sergeant Donald Pope, 940th Civil Engineer Squadron Force Management Superintendent, during his retirement ceremony Sept. 9, 2006 at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. The chief joined the Air Force when he was just 17 years old because "it sounded good," and retired with 41 years of military service. Chief Pope advises Airmen to do their best. "Listen to your supervisors and find out their expectations and meet them. Then you'll do great!" (U.S. Air Force photo/Stacey Knott)

Air Force Reservist Chief Master Sgt. Sandra Scammell, 940th Services Flight Mortuary Affairs Superintendent, retired Sept. 10 at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. after 29 years of military service. Chief Scammell said what she will miss most about the Air Force is the people. The chief advises young Airmen to "stay on track with your training and military education, so you're ready and available for a promotion or assignment when one comes along." (U.S. Air Force photo/Stacey Knott)

Air Force Reservist Chief Master Sergeant Royal Lewandowski, 940th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Superintendent, retired Sept. 9, 2006 at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. after 36 years of military service. He was with the 940th Air Refueling Wing for 34 of those years. Chief Lewandowski advises Airmen to enjoy their career and "be proactive in following your dreams. Take advantage of opportunities, they broaden your scope of experience and almost always result in new avenues of opportunity and advancement." (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luke Johnson)