FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Air Force Brig. Gen. Jimmy “Vegas” Canlas celebrated his 30-year military career during a retirement ceremony at the McNamara Headquarters Complex auditorium on Fort Belvoir, Virginia, June 30.
In his final tour, Canlas served as the Defense Logistics Agency Energy commander from June 2020 to June 2023 leading the agency’s mission to provide globally resilient energy solutions to the Warfighter and Whole of Government.
“Thank you, DLA Energy, for the great memories and your unwavering support,” he said. “This was absolutely the best way to wrap up a 30-year career.”
Long-time friend, former boss and fellow airman, Air Force Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, presided over the ceremony. Lamontagne is currently the deputy commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
“When I say ‘Jimmy’ you think leadership and when I say ‘Canlas’ you think excellence. That’s a hallmark of this family,” Lamontagne said. “Leadership oozes out of his pores.”
Canlas was commissioned in 1992 as a distinguished graduate from the University of Texas at San Antonio. In 1994, he earned his pilot wings at Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas. As a rated command pilot, Canlas has more than 4,400 flying hours, and has flown the T-37, T-38, C-21, KC-135R, and C-17A.
Starting early in his military career and continuing for the next 30 years as an operational pilot and in all levels of tactical, operational, and strategic command, Canlas earned honors and significant awards for being the best at anything he did, Lamontagne said.
He commanded an airlift squadron, an expeditionary group, an airlift wing, and the Department of Defense’s largest Air Operations Center. He is a joint qualified officer having served with the United Nations Command in South Korea and on the U.S. European Command (J-4) staff in Germany. His other staff tours include Headquarters Air Force and Headquarters Air Mobility Command. Prior to his recent Command at DLA Energy, he served as the Commander of the 618th Air Operations Center at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.
When confronted with challenges, Canlas put his leadership talents to the test. He safely landed an aircraft that suffered an airborne engine loss by ingesting a rabbit; he flew a C-17 mission into Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea; he planned the largest combat airdrop since World War II inserting the 173d Airborne Brigade into Northern Iraq; he negotiated with North Koreans in the Korean Demilitarized Zone; and he played a critical role in the Secretary of Defense’s decision to close the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawaii.
Known for his constant big smile and infectious positive leadership, Canlas left his mark on the DLA Energy team.
“Working for Brig. Gen. Canlas was one of the best command team relationships I’ve had in my career,” said DLA Chief of Staff and former DLA Energy Deputy Commander Eric Smith. “He not only shared his philosophies with the team, but he demonstrated it every day. Always an upbeat person. Always positive. He could make hard work fun.”
Canlas’ wife, Joy, and his two children, Jonah and Malea, spoke of his career and their pride in being a part of his journey.
“We did not go through life. We lived it,” Joy said to Canlas. “I am very thankful that we were able to take this journey together. That was 30 years well lived.”
Jonah told stories of his dad as a coach and an active soccer dad.
“All the hotel bookings, the long drives, the freezing weather, and going to the field with me and being my goalkeeper until I got things right. I don’t know how you managed to do it, but I thank you,” Jonah said. “I thank you for supporting me in soccer, school, my artistic endeavors, being my teacher, tutor… and – most of all – my Dad.”
Malea talked about her dad’s commitment to family.
“Out of all the wonderful things he is, to me he’s always just been dad,” she said. “Everything you’ve done to get to this point has never gotten in the way of you being a father first.”
Canlas presented each of his family members with a folded National flag in a wooden shadow box.
“As a reminder of everything we’ve done and what it represents: freedom and the sacrifices all of us have made as a family,” he said.
Canlas plans to take time off to decompress with his family including getting his kids off to college.
“I think there is more than that for me,” he said. “But for now, that’s where we are. I think that’s the right spot.”
Good luck and clear skies on your next adventure, Sir.