SMSgt Schenher’s four-decade career leaves lasting impact

Published Nov. 27, 2017
By Staff Sgt. Katrina Heikkinen
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- After spending more than 32 years as an Air Reserve technician, Senior Master Sgt. Darin Schenher wore his Air Force uniform for the last time in November 2017 after serving more than 37 years in the Air Force.

Schenher, who had been responsible for 16 assigned KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft and a worldwide air refueling mission, led a workforce of 300 aircraft maintenance technicians and support personnel performing major and minor aircraft maintenance.

A lifelong Hoosier, Schenher grew up in the four-corners of Indiana and attended East Noble High School, home of the mighty knights before enlisting in the Air Force where he served on active duty before transition into the Reserve. After graduating technical school, he was stationed at the [then] 305th Air Mobility Wing of Grissom Air Force Base, Indiana.

“When I got stationed at Grissom I realized it was in my back yard,” he said. “I felt like I didn’t get the active-duty experience because every weekend I got to go home. Also I only worked on one airframe. A lot of Airmen get the chance to be able to work on different airframes whereas I’ve strictly worked on the [KC-]135 my whole career.”

While Schenher has held numerous positions in the aircraft maintenance world, he said the highlight of his career was holding the position in which he is retiring from.

“The highlight of my career was getting put in the production superintendent position,” he said. “I like this job because my other half and I get to share the responsibility and set the priorities on the air planes. After all these years I still like working around airplanes. I thrive in a challenge.”

After Schenher separated from active duty in 1985, he transitioned into the Air Force Reserve and served in Strategic Air Command, Air Mobility Command, Pacific Air Forces and Air Force Reserve Command holding numerous positions to include inspector, flighline crew chief, aircraft expeditor and production supervisor – all assigned at the [then] 931st Air Refueling Group and the 434th Air Refueling Wing as an Air Force Reserve technician. He has deployed seven times in support of Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Allied Force, Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Schenher worked on KC-135 Stratotankers for nearly four decades – longer than many Airmen have been alive. And, while his longevity, dedication and breadth of knowledge will never be forgotten, perhaps more indicative of his impact was his infectious smile and positivity – that and the hundreds of Airmen, civilians, friends and family members present for his retirement ceremony.

“Darin, your legacy will continue on for future generations,” said Maj. John Valdes, 434th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander. “It’s been a true honor to serve with you.”

Upon retirement Schenher looks forward to going on a Viking river cruise in Europe with his wife, Tammy. Next on his bucket list is going on a motorcycle trip in Alaska.

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.

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SMSgt Schenher’s 4-decade career leaves lasting impact

SMSgt Schenher’s four-decade career leaves lasting impact

Public Affairs Staff