PHILADELPHIA –
In front of family, friends and peers, an Air Force Medical Service Corps officer transitioned into the next chapter of his life: retirement.
Lt. Col. Roger Willis, Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Medical supply chain’s Institutional Customer Facing Division chief, retired from the Air Force after 20 years of service during a ceremony April 12 in Philadelphia.
Willis thanked those in attendance for their friendships and mentorships throughout his career, and explained how he knew it was time to call it a career.
“I’ve known a lot of people that retire, and I always ask, ‘How do you know,’ and it’s always, ‘When it’s time you’ll know,’” Willis said. “So, I can honestly say that I know it’s time.”
The presiding officer, Air Force Col. Mary Ann Garbowski, Air Force Medical Operations Agency Medical Logistics director, highlighted the accomplishments, resilience and mindset throughout Willis’ career.
“[Lt. Col. Willis] will tell you that his philosophy is simple,” Garbowski said. “He always did his best, treated everyone with respect, accepted assignments from leadership and put the needs of other airmen first.”
Before Willis commissioned into the Air Force in 1999, he also served two years in the Naval Reserves.
While assigned to Troop Support, Willis was responsible for supporting 246 Department of Defense medical facilities worldwide.
As part of his farewell, Willis received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his service.