EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. -- The 188th Wing conducted a retirement ceremony here Jan. 11, 2020, for the 188th Mission Support Group chief, who concluded his military career after 30 years of service.
Chief Master Sgt. Edgar S. Mahan, 188th Mission Support Group chief, has served as the group chief for the past three years.
“If I was given the opportunity to choose a different future, I would say no thanks,” said Mahan. “This has been a great future and I would not trade the people that I’ve met or the events that I've experienced for an alternate one.”
188th Mission Support Group Commander Col. Mary T. Gardner said that Mahan’s dedication to service and his mission first attitude has proven invaluable for the mission support group and its Airmen.
“I selected you as the Mission Support Group chief and you took an active role in our group and did an outstanding job,” Gardner said. “You never hesitated to support the mission and Airmen and that commitment has been a cornerstone of your career.”
Mahan joined the Arkansas Air National Guard in 2002 and served 18 years at various positions within the 188th Wing before retiring as the 188th Mission Support Group chief. Prior to joining the wing, Mahan started his career by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1980. During his time in the Marines he served at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Camp Pendleton, California, and Okinawa, Japan, before separating in 1988. After a 10 year break in service, Mahan enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1998, serving 4 years at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas before joining the 188th Wing.