Reinhart retires after 34 years of service Published May 6, 2015 By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Mota 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- From enlisted fuel cell mechanic to 434th Air Refueling Wing vice commander, one individual defined the term 'the sky's the limit' during his Air Force career. Amid family, friends and fellow Airmen, Col. Bryan Reinhart, said goodbye to the Air Force after 34 years of service during his retirement ceremony here, April 11. Presiding over the ceremony, Col. Douglas Schwartz, 434th ARW commander, thanked Reinhart for his outstanding performance as vice commander and for the contributions he made to the unit. "The 434th's success, on recent inspections, is a direct reflection of Colonel Reinhart's outstanding leadership," said Schwartz. "We will miss this great patriot, officer and friend!" During the ceremony, Reinhart thanked those who had supported him throughout his career. "I want to thank my family who has stood beside me throughout my military service," said Reinhart. "I couldn't have made it without your daily support." Reinhart's military service is a true example of perseverance as he moved up the enlisted ranks and then received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1986 as a graduate of Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. "It's been a long road, but I don't regret any part of it," said Reinhart who moved back to his hometown in Ohio when he assumed his role as vice commander June 2014. "Along the way, I have made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime." During the ceremony Schwartz presented Reinhart with his retirement certificate in addition to a Legion of Merit for his performance while here. The Legion of Merit is conferred on officers and enlisted men of the armed forces of the United States and on nationals of other countries "who shall have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services" since Sept. 8, 1939, the date of the president's proclamation of the state of emergency that led to World War II. Despite the challenges that come with changes after retirement, Reinhart said he is looking forward to spending time with his wife, son and two daughters, but will always look back at his Air Force career and those with whom he served with fondness. Reinhart is a command pilot with more than 3,500 flying hours and in his civilian capacity is a commercial pilot.He has deployed in support of Operations Deny Flight, Decisive Endeavor, Joint Endeavor, Deliberate Forge, Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom. Grissom is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, as well as three Army Reserve units. Airmen, Soldiers and Marines routinely deploy from Grissom around the world in support of the Department of Defense mission and U.S. strategic objectives. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
