49 MXG commander retires

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Heather Stanton
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
After more than 28 years of military service the 49th Maintenance Group commander has retired June 28 at a ceremony here. 

Col. Gary Bryson has been at Holloman since April 2005 as the 49 MXG commander. 

"I decided to retire because there is no other job that I would ever get that would be equal to being a maintenance group commander," he said. 

"Retirement is the most important ceremony," said Brig. Gen. David Goldfein, 49th Fighter Wing commander and the presiding officer of the ceremony. "Each of us who wear this uniform will have the privilege to be here one day." 

Colonel Bryson has been a maintenance officer since day one in the Air Force. But, before he decided to join the Air Force, he was a history teacher for five-and-a-half years.
"I was not enjoying teaching as much as I thought I would," he said. "So I met an Air Force recruiter at the Texas State Fair on my wife's birthday and asked him if I was too old." 

He got his commission through the Air Force Officer Training School, Medina Annex at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, May 25, 1979. 

Colonel Bryson's awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Achievement Medal, and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award. He was also awarded the Legion of Merit award at his ceremony. 

Over the past 28 years, Colonel Bryson has accumulated many memories, good and bad, but a recent memory takes the cake. 

"Being made an honorary chief was the pinnacle of my career," he said. "It was a higher praise than being selected as a general officer, had I been selected. Holloman has the best group of chiefs anywhere." 

Colonel Bryson was made an honorary chief by the Holloman Chief's Group in a ceremony June 26. 

Because of his many years of experience, the colonel has some advice for young Airmen and officers. 

"For Airmen, go to school," he said. "Get all the education you can get out of your military career. It is one of the best things the military has to offer. And for officers, just move the ball." 

Next in line for Colonel Bryson is to leave the Friendliest Place on Earth and head to San Antonio, Texas, with his wife Jayme and look for another job, preferably for a defense industry, he said.