Retreat: A constant during times of change

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Cary Hatzinger
  • 62nd Mission Support Group
The Friday before Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the start of the official outdoor retreat ceremony here. This year the 62nd Mission Support Squadron had the honor of performing the first ceremony.

As I stood at attention and watched the ceremony unfold, I couldn't help but think that this was the last time this squadron would have an opportunity to come together for a retreat ceremony. In just a few short weeks, the 62nd MSS and the 62nd Services Squadron will combine to form the 62nd Force Support Squadron. This is just one of the many changes that will take place this summer across the Air Force.

Later this summer, the 62nd Maintenance Group will be renamed the Material Group. At that same time, the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron and the 62nd Logistics Readiness Squadron will leave the 62nd MSG and join them. If Air Mobility Command follows the rest of the Air Force, the aircraft maintenance squadron will leave the newly formed Material Group and move to the Operations Group. If all of these changes aren't enough to make your head spin, then add on the redesignation of our medical group to a medical squadron in order to meet BRAC requirements.

The Air Force is an organization that was born from the need for change. From our auspicious beginnings in the Army Signal Corps and Army Air Corps until today, we have prided ourselves on the ability to adapt and change to meet the warfighting needs of our nation. We must never forget that change enables us to adapt and overcome and without it we would quickly become a stagnant and dated force incapable of carrying out its mission.

As I watched the men and women of the 62nd MSS proudly conduct retreat, I realized the reason ceremonies like this are so important is they are rooted in tradition and serve as an anchor that binds us all together in our common purpose. Retreat will be held at 4:30 p.m. every Thursday through Sept. 19. If you feel like the change is starting to overwhelm you, come on out and join us.