McChord Pathfinders reunite at 627th SFS

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Keoni Chavarria
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  The McChord Pathfinders, a group of retired security forces Airmen that were once stationed at McChord held a reunion here Aug. 22.

During the reunion, the group visited the 627th Security Forces Squadron to see how their squadron has changed over the years, and toured a C-17 Globemaster III later in the day.

"The base has changed a lot," said Bobby Wade, a retired 62nd Security Police Squadron security controller stationed at McChord from 1983 to 1993. "The mission has changed a lot from what we had before but there are still good quality professionals doing a good job."

At the squadron, the group received a demonstration of the equipment and a briefing about the Phoenix Raven's section.

While at the squadron, the Pathfinders also visited the heritage room and were able to share their history and experience with the other members.

According to members of the group, while they have not seen each other in years, their comradery is still as strong as when they worked together.

"The reunion was excellent," said Mike Jones, a retired 62nd SPS flight chief stationed at McChord Field from 1983 to 1995. "Still after 20 to 30 years of not seeing each other, there is still that familiarity as when we first showed up here in the 1980s."

After visiting the squadron, the group went on to tour a C-17.

"One change I've seen since I've been stationed here is the aircrafts," said Wade. "The C-17 is an upgrade from the C-130 Hercules where we were packed in like sardines."

While on the tour, the group was able to talk to a C-17 pilot and loadmaster about the missions and capabilities of the aircraft.

After the tour, the group returned to the 627th SFS and gave their appreciation to everyone that helped.

According to some of the members in the group, while the reunion was long overdue, it felt as though it was just yesterday that they had seen each other.

"It was great to see folks you haven't seen in about 25 years," said Charles Thornton, Directorate of Emergency Services joint operations officer. "We are the McChord Pathfinders, and we all pioneered the squadron 25 years ago to where we are today."