Maintenance chief retires after 34 years Published Oct. 31, 2011 By Senior Airman Jami K. Lancette 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- With a KC-135R Stratotanker setting the backdrop, the doors of Dock 1 opened as a hush fell over a crowd gathered together to wish their best to a retiring fellow Airman, boss, mentor and friend. After 34 years of serving his country, Chief Master Sgt. Michael Fornal, 434th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent, retired in front of family and friends here recently. Maj. Timothy Bartlett, 434th AMXS commander, presided over the ceremony. "Chief Fornal can be serious when warranted, and he can make us laugh and help reduce the pressure when needed," said Bartlett. "But through it all, he's a true professional who will be missed. "What has impressed me most is that he exemplifies one of my favorite leadership attributes and that's earned authority," he added. "Earned authority is treating people with mutual respect." Helping the chief earn that authority was his diversified and illustrious career during his time in the Air Force. The chief has served in the Strategic Air Command, Air Mobility Command, U.S. Central Command, U.S. Pacific Command and the Air Force Reserve Command. Most recently the chief lead a work force of over 300 aircraft maintenance technicians and support personnel here and the role they have in the worldwide mission. In a fitting conclusion, Fornal gave a heartfelt speech and ended it with one last salute to the crowd of Airmen that have worked alongside with him throughout the years. But, this is not the end for the chief here at Grissom as he will be working as a transient alert supervisor for a base contractor. The 434th AMXS is part of the 434th Air Refueling Wing; the largest KC135R Stratotanker in the Air Force Reserve Command. Stay connected with the 434th on Twitter and Facebook.
