Chief Master Sgt. Mitchell crosses the finish line
By Senior Airman Cody Martin, 188th Wing Public Affairs
/ Published January 11, 2016
EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. -- Chief Master Sgt. Kerry Mitchell, 188th human resource advisor, bid farewell Jan. 10, 2016, during a formal retirement ceremony held at the 188th Wing.
Mitchell served at the 188th for more than 31 years and previously worked as the first sergeant for the 188th Maintenance Squadron and as the supervisor of the 188th non-destructive inspection shop before becoming the 188th HRA in May 2012.
"You not only pursued diversity, but diversity of thought," said Col. Bobbi Doorenbos, 188th Wing commander, "That's really the most important part of the job that you held, and I think your vision for that was phenomenal."
Mitchell joined the Air National Guard in 1984 and worked in the NDI shop for 19 years. After becoming supervisor, Mitchell led the NDI shop to help the 188th MXS achieve the best mission capable rates and fully mission capable rates of all F-16 wings in the entire Air National Guard.
When Mitchell was chosen to be the first sergeant of the 188th MXS in 2004, the squadron was the largest in the state with more than 250 Airmen.
Throughout his career, Mitchell has deployed to Canada-Maple Flag, Israel, Saudi Arabia for Operation Southern Watch, Nellis Air Force Base during Red Flag and Green Flag and has served at homestation in support of Operation Northern Watch and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Mitchell spoke of how his time at the 188th showed him the importance of relationships Airmen should have with one another and how it results in Airmen instilling the core values into their lives.
"Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do," said Mitchell. "These are the core values of the Air Force and these are the values that epitomize the men and women of this unit."
Doorenbos presided over the ceremony and included Chaplain (Col.) Thomas Smith, retired Lt. Col. Anderson Neal, former commander of the 188th MXS, and many guest speakers who spoke highly of Mitchell.
The speakers all mentioned Mitchell's many leadership qualities, including how humble, dependable and reliable he is.
"[Mitchell] has 31 years of service, and no one that I asked could tell me one negative thing about him," said Neal.
Mitchell wrapped up the ceremony by thanking God, his family, co-workers and friends for everything they had done in his life and career.
"I want to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to everyone in this room and everyone in the 188th for all they've done for me in my career," Mitchell stated. "I'm going to miss everyone. God bless and thank you."