Rescue Reservist Master Sgt. Ernesto Torres Retires After 35 Years Of Service
By 1st Lt. Anna-Marie Wyant, 920th Rescue Wing // December 11, 2016
came to the 920th Rescue Wing in 1998
BREVARD COUNTY • PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA –A reservist from the 920th Rescue Wing here commemorated the end of his Air Force service during a retirement ceremony at the base all ranks club December 4.
Master Sgt. Ernesto Torres, a logistics planner and unit deployment manager with the 920th Maintenance Group, reminisced about his 35 years of service and celebrated with family, friends and fellow Airmen present at the ceremony.
Retired Col. Willie Cooper II, Torres’ former group commander, presided over the ceremony. Cooper shared several memories of working with Torres and congratulated him on his numerous accomplishments over the years.
“We’re here to celebrate because retirements are really special, especially in the military,” Cooper said. “Master Sergeant Ernesto Torres, we owe you a lot, and thank you for your service.”
Several friends and family members from across the country attended the ceremony, which included the ceremonial folding of the American flag and was followed by a reception. Torres thanked his family, friends and fellow service members for their support over the years.
“Thank you very much for being here with me,” Torres said.
He ended his remarks by recognizing his wife and daughter and thanking them for their love and sacrifices.
“They have set the foundation of what I consider to be everybody’s foundation—the family and the home,” Torres said. “I love you both.”
Torres, who was born in Chicago, Ill., enlisted in the active duty Air Force in 1981. His first assignment was with the 611th Military Airlift Support Squadron at Osan Air Base, Korea.
His next assignment was at Grissom Air Force Base, Ind., where he later became a reservist.
His next Reserve assignments included O’Hare International Airport, Chicago and Homestead Air Reserve Base near Miami, Fla. He came to the 920th Rescue Wing in 1998 as an Air Reserve Technician.
During his tenure with the 920th, Torres deployed six times. He has supported numerous U.S. military operations including Operation Northern Watch, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
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