CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
After 24 years of faithful service to the Air Force, Team Charleston's commander decides it is time to say "goodbye."
Col. Glen Joerger, 437th Airlift Wing commander, will officially retire Oct. 1 after some terminal leave this summer because he wants to have more time to focus on his wife, DiAnna, and 15-year-old twin sons named Alex and Cody.
"We don't really have any big plans for after I retire," said Colonel Joerger. "I just want to spend more time with my family and move with them to live in Florida."
At this time, Colonel Joerger does not know what kind of career he will embark on after his retirement, but he said he still has time to figure out what he wants to do.
"Who knows what I'll do," said Colonel Joerger. "I may open my own consultant company, work for the federal government or do something completely different than that, but I haven't decided yet."
After being the commander of the 437 AW for 19 months, he also shared why it will be difficult to go through such a life-changing experience.
"It will be tough to let go when I've served on such a winning team for so long," said Colonel Joerger. "It's going to be hard now that I won't be able to be part of the team - but I will be able to look on and admire them from the sidelines now."
Even though he'll be saying goodbye, Colonel Joerger's spirit and optimism will live on amongst Team Charleston.
"I believe so much in having a positive attitude and that happiness in life is a choice," Colonel Joerger said. "I love my job; the days went by so fast for me because I'm always busy and I've had so much fun doing my job."
The thought of joining the Air Force crossed his mind when he was attending community college at 16 years old.
"I was in a community college when my dad handed me a Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship," said Colonel Joerger. "So I filled it out because I figured it was time for me to grow up and decide what I would do with my life."
During his time in the Air Force he has operationally flown the H-3 Jolly Green Giant, H-60 Blackhawk, C-5 Galaxy, C-130 Hercules and the C-17 Globemaster III. He also has plenty of stories to tell about his career, but decided to share one of his most memorable.
"I have so many wonderful memories, but no matter what, I always remember the people I served with - especially at Team Charleston," said Colonel Joerger. "However, I've always enjoyed being able to save lives. That's why I'll always remember working for FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to do evacuations for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita."
As Colonel Joerger said he will always remember Team Charleston, members of Team Charleston will remember him too.
"He has been the best wing commander I have had the privilege of working with in my 25 years," said Col. Donnalee Sykes, 437th Medical Group commander. "I will miss his enthusiasm for the mission and the people of Team Charleston and how he articulates it internally and externally."
To recognize Colonel Joerger's retirement, there will be a retirement ceremony in his honor Monday at 10 a.m. in Nose Dock 2.