Chief Wanner completes more than three decades of service

KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- After more than three decades of service to the active-duty Air Force and Air National Guard, Chief Master Sgt. Scott A. Wanner was officially retired in a ceremony here April 25.

As the chief enlisted manager for the 123rd Contingency Response Group, Wanner's responsibilities included advising the commander on enlisted force morale, welfare, training and utilization; and overseeing the needs of the group's enlisted force.

"From day one, your military bearing and calm spirit have been an outstanding benefit to our group," said Col. David J. Mounkes, the commander of the 123rd Contingency Response Group. "I want to personally thank you for the numerous meetings where we had to discuss the way ahead for the CRG, dealing with the day-to-day leadership challenges for which you always had wise and mature advice. It wasn't always easy in a group with such a unique contingency airfield-opening mission, but you were always up for it."

Wanner enlisted in the active-duty Air Force in July 1983 as an inventory management specialist. His first assignment with the 305th Supply Squadron provided exposure to contingency operations during the invasion of Grenada. His second assignment with the 10th Supply Squadron, Royal Air Force Alconbury Air Base, England, further enhanced his desire for emergency and contingency operations.

During this period, Wanner played a supporting role in multiple operations, including a bombing raid in Libya and numerous deployments augmenting both Civil Engineering Red Horse and Prime Beef squadrons. His next assignment brought him back to the United States with the 445th Supply and CE Squadrons at Altus Air Force Base, Okla. He was then deployed to Bateen Air Base, United Arab Emirates, in support of Operations Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. After returning home, Wanner was approved for a voluntary separation incentive and enlisted as an air transportation specialist with the Air Force Reserve's 87th Aerial Port Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, in September 1992.

During the next six years, Wanner applied for and trained in every aspect of his new career field. In September 1998, he left the 87th and enlisted with the Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Aerial Port Squadron. By April of 2008, Wanner was promoted to the rank of chief master sergeant and assumed the position of squadron superintendent. Two years later, he accepted the position of chief enlisted manager with the newly formed 123rd Contingency Response Group.

During his time with the Kentucky Air Guard, Wanner has deployed to support both domestic and international missions, including Operations Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom, Southern Watch, and Deep Freeze; and relief efforts for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

As the ceremony came to a close, Mounkes thanked Wanner again for his service.

"Your service to the United States Air Force, U.S. Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard and country has been great and is worthy of reflection," he said. "It has been an honor to work with you, and you will be missed."