John Law to retire after 50 years of service Published June 28, 2007 By Lt. Col. Gary Lockard 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind -- What is the next step if you've traveled around the world and faithfully served your country for more than 50 years? If you're John Law, it's "a little bit of travel, a little bit of home work, and a whole lot of whatever we feel inclined to do." Mr. Law is currently a contract specialist with the 434th Air Refueling Wing and will retire on Friday after a combined Air Force and Civil Service career spanning six decades. As a 17 year old in 1955, he joined the United States Air Force. During his 30-year Air Force career, he served as an aircraft mechanic for KC-97 aircraft, a flight engineer on C-130s, instructor at the Noncommissioned Office Academy, and a First Sergeant. He also served at the Pentagon as an advisor to the Air Force Reserve on matters pertaining to C-130 aircraft. "I can honestly say that I have never had a bad assignment," he explained. "I learned early in life to appreciate whatever you have because it can so easily be taken away from you." Stops along the way included bases in Texas, Canada, New Hampshire, Tennessee, the Philippines, Virginia, Indiana, Alaska and North Carolina. It was during his assignment to Ernest Harmon AFB, Newfoundland, Canada, that he met his future wife Emily. "She has been a tremendous partner in my career. I would not have been able to accomplish anything without her by my side," said John. "She is a fascinating story by herself. She is from Newfoundland, born on an island in the middle of Bona Vista Bay. (She) lived an isolated life until she was 14." Like many of his generation, he served in Vietnam and earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses and 21 Air Medals. He retied from the Air Force at the rank of chief master sergeant. Mr. Law began his civil service career at Grissom in 1987. Since he had served at Grissom while in the Air Force, he was familiar with the base. "Grissom was a quiet little base with nice quarters and a low cost of living. It hasn't changed much." However, additional circumstances led to John and Emily settling down in the Grissom area. "A house in Bunker Hill that would not sell and tenants who would not stay," explained Mr. Law. Over the years, both in uniform and in civilian attire, he has seen many changes. "The biggest change that I see is the attitude. In 1955 we were proud to be called American and we had respect for each other and our equipment. I don't see that any more," stated Mr. Law. "Today, young men and women seem overly focused on self with little affection for country and what it stands for. But, I see a change coming. The cycles of life are like a pendulum and we have been to the edge of one cycle. The pendulum is coming back to a central position, we just have to wait and see." John is active in the local community and is the Pastor of the Erie United Methodist Church in Peru and also races cars on the dirt track circuit. In honor of Mr. Law's retirement, the contracting office will host an open house and reception on Thursday, June 28, from 1-3 pm.
