Radke retires after 32 years' service to Air Force, Air National Guard

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Horton
  • 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. --  After 32 years of service to the active-duty Air Force and Air National Guard, Chief Master Sgt. Daniel J. Radke, chief enlisted manager of the Kentucky Air Guard's 123rd Security Forces Squadron, was officially retired during a ceremony here April 27.

"This is a pretty impressive chief up here on the stage with me," Lt. Col. Matthew L. Stone, commander of the 123rd Mission Support Group, said to an audience of more than 200 family, friends and coworkers gathered in the Base Annex.

"To the 123rd Airlift Wing: this is your security forces squadron chief," Stone said. "For seven-and-a-half years, this man has been the chief cop on duty 24/7 keeping this base safe."

Radke began his career in the Air Force in June 1982 and graduated from the security specialist course in January 1983. After nearly 24 years on active duty, he joined the Kentucky Air National Guard, performing duties as the security forces manager and chief enlisted manager.

"You provided all of us with guidance and you did everything within your power to help people reach their goals," Stone said. "During those seven-and-a-half years you plugged into this place, you made it better for all. When we needed you to do one more thing, you didn't hesitate. Congratulations on following through. You did a great job."

Some of Radke's assignments include Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Brooks City Base, Texas, and Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He was deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy, in response to Operation El Dorado Canyon as well as Camp Bucca, Iraq, to perform a joint-service detainee mission.

"Chief Radke, thank you for keeping us safe," Stone said. "Please consider the 123rd Airlift Wing your family, and this base your home."