"I went to the Air Force Academy to get a first-class education and I stayed because of the people and the mission," said Col. Jeffrey D. Philippart, who spent 24 years in the Air Force and will officially retire from Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

He graduated from the Academy in 1990 and then went on to obtain his Master's degree from the University of Maryland in 1992. From there he continued to build an illustrious aviation career by flying the T-37, T-1, C130E, EC-130E/H and C-17A aircraft, becoming a command pilot and gaining more than 4,600 hours of flight.

For the last 23 months, Philippart has been serving as the vice commander of the 62nd Airlift Wing at McChord Field. He had previously served at JBLM between 2006-07 as an operations officer with the 4th Airlift Squadron, 62nd AW.

In his role as the vice commander, Philippart assisted the commander in ensuring the readiness of more than 2,300 active-duty military and civilian personnel, along with 48 C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, to support worldwide combat and humanitarian airlift. The wing also provides base support to the 446th Airlift Wing and the Western Air Defense Sector at JBLM. He has also overseen the 62nd AW programs on environmental issues, installation security and readiness.

Over the course of his career, Philippart was awarded the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with silver oak leaf cluster, Aerial Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

"I will miss serving with great Americans who have volunteered to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces," he said.

Following his retirement, Philippart and his family will be taking a few weeks off to drive across the country as they move back to northern Virginia. Beyond that, everything else is "to be determined" as of yet, according to Philippart.