CMSgt Allinder Crosses the Finish Line

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Daniel Condit
  • 188th Wing
Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Ark. --  EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. – Chief Master Sgt. Tomie Allinder, Superintendent 123rd IS, bids farewell Nov. 4, 2017, during a formal retirement ceremony held at the 188th Wing.

Allinder came to the 188th in 2014 as the 123rd IS transitioned to the 188th ISRG. In 2016 Allinder played a vital role in the physical relocation of the 123rd IS from Little Rock AFB to Ebbing Air National Guard Base without mission interruption.

"I don't know anyone who has done more for the 123rd Intelligence Squadron over the years than Chief Tomie Allinder,” said Col. Paul Rowlett. 

Allinder Joined the Air National Guard in 1984 as an Imagery Interpreter Specialist and served the as a subject matter expert in the 123rd IS for more than 30 years. Between 1989 and 1996, Allinder helped stand up the squadrons counterdrug program, was handpicked to build the first computer network in the Arkansas Air National Guard used specifically for intelligence operations, and was asked by the National Guard Bureau to evaluate the sensor pod for the F-16s.

In 1998 Allinder was trained as a network administrator and helped build a network that could complete an intelligence project from start to finish on the Joint Reserve Intelligence Program (JRIP) system.

Allinder became the 123rd IS superintendent 2001 and was promoted to Chief Master Sgt. In Feb. 2004. As the squadron superintendent he lead the transition of the 123rd to one of the Air National Guard’s first DCGS’ which has been tasked with a fulltime mission since the transition in 2006.

“He was dedicated to making the unit more effective, especially when it came to addressing the concerns of the unit's enlisted force," said Rowlett.

Rowlett presided over the ceremony which included the singing of the national anthem by Master Sgt. Twila C. Costiloe, invocation from Chief Master Sgt. Carl Schneider, and many guest speakers who spoke highly of Allinder.

The speakers all mentioned Allinder's many leadership qualities, including how humble, dependable and reliable he is.

Allinder wrapped up the ceremony by thanking God, his family, co-workers and friends for everything they had done in his life and career.