King retires after 27 years of service Published June 21, 2017 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Amid family, friends and fellow Airmen, Chief Master Sgt. Rickie King, said goodbye to the Air Force after 27 years of service during his retirement ceremony at Grissom Air Reserve base, Indiana, June 3, 2017. King, Security Forces manager, joined the Air Force in December of 1984 as a security forces member serving for 10 years at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas and Ramstein Air Base, Germany. After a five-year break, he joined the 434th SFS in 2001. King achieved great heights through his service, but he did not stand alone in his success. “I would have to thank all the leadership I had coming up through the ranks, senior NCO’s and officers that pointed me in the right direction,” said King. Along with his achievements, he was able to lead his unit to unprecedented success. “Our unit has won Air Force Reserve Command Security Forces Squadron of the year for two years in a row, which never happens, and that’s probably one of the things I am most proud of; my guys doing that,” said King. “Our Security Forces troops stand head and shoulders above everybody else and it speaks volumes about them.” The leadership and dedication King brought to the table was one of a kind. “There are definitely big shoes to fill with the leadership both here at Grissom and at deployed locations,” said Maj. Matthew Garvelink, 434th SFS commander. “The value that a chief master sergeant like Chief King is to a commander is hard to quantify,” said Garvelink. “He’s been a tremendous resource to me personally and definitely any success we’ve had in the squadron is a direct result of the leadership and knowledge of Chief King.” King continues to lead and guide his troops, especially young Airmen. “If I had to give advice to any new Airmen, I would give the same advice that was given to me at basic training. Always do more than your supervisor expects of you,” said King. Although the transition into retirement is challenging, King is looking forward to spending time with his family and his four-year old granddaughter, Karma, helping veteran units out and supporting the 434th SFS. “The Air Force taught me leadership and responsibility. It gave me opportunities like no place else ever could,” said King. “I feel very blessed to have gotten this far.” “It’s been an honor to be in the U.S. Air Force. It’s been an honor to be a security policeman and a security forces defender,” said King. It’s been the greatest honor and privilege of my entire life to have been your chief.” The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
