News

Offutt legend retires after 35 years of Air Force civil service

  • Published
  • By Debbie Aragon
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  More than 200 friends, family members, peers and current and former base firefighters gathered in the bay of the fire station here Dec. 12 to bid farewell to an Offutt legend - Fire Chief Robin E. Gullie. 

Recognizing a member who is retiring from a career of long and honorable service is one of the oldest traditions in the military, according to Dave Eblin, master of ceremonies and deputy fire chief. 

It's a way "to say thank you for years of faithful service, wish good luck in future endeavors and bid a heartfelt farewell as a member transitions into retirement," Mr. Eblin said. 

As with a military retirement ceremony, the fire chief's ceremony was filled with tradition. 

Offutt's Firefighter Ceremonial Guard presented the colors to begin the ceremony and retired the colors to close out the event. 

During a special flag presentation ceremony, ceremonial guard members also passed a folded flag through the hands of five firefighters currently serving in the various positions held by the fire chief during his career - a military firefighter representing the chief's three years of military service, a firefighter/driver operator, a crew chief/supervisory firefighter, an assistant chief training and an assistant chief operations - before giving the flag to Chief Gullie. 

Prior to the retirement ceremony, the flag had been flown over the U.S. Capitol in the fire chief's honor. 

From the very beginning of the ceremony, held in the state-of-the-art Offutt Fire Station known as the "house that Chief Gullie built," wishes of thanks and appreciation poured in. Many well-wishers were able to attend the ceremony in person while others sent letters to be read to those gathered. 

President George W. Bush, Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman, U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel, Commander of Air Combat Command Gen. John D.W. Corley, Brig. Gen. Timothy Byers, director of installations and 55th Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Jim Jones all sent personal letters to Chief Gullie that echoed their appreciation for his dedication, sacrifice and leadership to our nation. 

In his letter to the chief, General Jones extended, on behalf of members of the 55th Wing, his sincere appreciation for the fire chief's loyal, dedicated service. 

"During your distinguished career, there have been many changes in the Air Force necessitated by changing national requirements," the general wrote. "You have been a part of these changes and you can look back with great satisfaction. You have made a vital contribution to every citizen of this great nation by helping to preserve our most precious, cherished and coveted possession - our freedom." 

During the one-hour ceremony, the chief's peers from the civilian community, as well as base leaders and current and former Offutt firefighters took to the podium to honor Chief Gullie's dedication to duty and career accomplishments. They each then presented him with tokens of appreciation ranging from an artist's rendering of the fire station, a mounted fire ax, a firefighters bugle, a large shadow box and, what is known as "the Heisman Trophy" of firefighting, a firefighter statue. 

In addition to the many letters of congratulations and powerful accolades from those gathered, Mark Jacobsen, director of the 55th Civil Engineer Squadron, presented Chief Gullie with the Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award. The citation, given for the period of Oct. 23, 1973, to Dec. 31, 2008, noted that the fire chief's "expertise, consistently high-level performance and unending dedication to duty contributed immeasurably not only to the successful accomplishment of Air Combat Command's mission but the broader mission of the Air Force." 

The chief also received his retirement pin which was fastened to his crisp uniform by his wife, Barbara. 

With so many accolades for his service to the Air Force and his nation, it was very appropriate that his retirement ceremony took place in the shadow of a large American flag draped in front of two Offutt fire crash vehicles, said Mr. Eblin. 

The prominently placed flag stood as a testament to the fire chief's career, said Mr. Eblin since "Chief Gullie has dedicated 38 years of his life defending the values and freedom for which it stands." 

Before joining civil service, the fire chief served on active duty in the U. S. Air Force.

Excerpts from other letters of congratulations sent to Fire Chief Gullie: 

President George W. Bush: "Congratulations on your retirement from the Department of the Air Force after 35 years of federal service. Our nation is deeply indebted to the men and women who devote their lives to public service. I know how proud your family, friends and colleagues must be of your accomplishments. Laura and I send our best wishes for many years of happiness."

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman: "It is indeed an honor to pay tribute to someone who has worked so hard to serve the people of the United States. Through your years of hard work and perseverance, you have more than demonstrated your concern for others and your ability to get the job done. Your service to the Department of Defense is a true reflection of your commitment and dedication to the betterment of our station and nation."

U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel: "Thank you for your 35 years of civil service to your country ... Best wishes in your future endeavors and much continued success."

ACC Commander Gen. John D.W. Corley: "The men and women of Air Combat Command join me in congratulating you on your many years of distinguished service to our nation. Your dedication and expertise have been invaluable in a number of assignments, culminating as fire chief for the 55th Civil Engineer Squadron ... we extend our best wishes to you and Barbara as you begin a new chapter in your lives."

Brig. Gen. Timothy Byers, director of ACC/A7: "Linda and I would have loved to have been there as our fellow Airmen paid tribute to your legacy of excellence and service ... thanks for all that you've done for our country, Air Force and our civil engineers ... and all that you'll continue to do as you make the transition to civilian life."