Dietzer-Hensley retires after 33 years at Grissom Published June 25, 2015 By Senior Airman Jami K. Lancette 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. - -- Throughout the years Grissom has seen many people come and go, but after three decades one familiar medic is saying goodbye. Among family, friends and fellow Airmen, Chief Master Louise Dietzer-Hensley, 434th Aerospace Medicine Squadron senior enlisted advisor, stood front and center one last time to say farewell to the Air Force after 33 years of service during her retirement ceremony here June 7. "By the time Airmen make chief and their readying for retirement, it's time to give back to the junior Airman," said Dietzer-Hensley. "I have found that those were really the greatest moments in my career was to help Airmen reach their full potential, it was a great privilege." Dietzer-Hensley started her Air Force career in 1982 when she arrived at Lackland Air Force Base Texas to begin basic military training. After basic she was assigned to Sheppard AFB Texas for technical training school as a medical services specialist. She transferred to Grissom where she started as a non-commissioned officer in charge of immunizations. During her time here, she has held many positions in AMDS including NCOIC of nursing services, superintendent of nursing services, aeromedical services superintendent, aerospace medical services manager and her most recent role senior enlisted advisor. With all of her responsibilities, Dietzer-Hensley also led the re-formation of the Grissom Rising Six group and served as their liaison to Grissom's Chief's Group. "One of the things I'm most proud of was helping the Rising Six reform and getting the program up and running again," said Dietzer-Hensley. "I was so happy to see that come into fruition before I retired." Her long hours and hard work to help fulfill mission requirements and get the job done did not go unnoticed, especially by her superiors. "When you talk about professionalism, she was always right there leading by example," said retired Col. Thomas Collins, former AMDS commander. "One of the things I learned from her was her passion and drive. "She always did her very best to help others and I always admired her," Collins added. "She was my chief." Additionally as a reservist, Dietzer-Hensley has been activated in support of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. More recently, she was deployed in 2008, activated in 2011 and 2012 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The 434th AMDS is part of the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
