Page 5 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt, May 2021

4 May 2021 Spotlight http://www.luke.af.mil Thunderbolt News Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt 5
Thunderbolt
May 2021
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Chaplain’s thoughts ... Civilians can submit retirement FSS Airman receives Senior Master
Sgt. James
forms electronically using myPers Smith, 944th
Force Support
Hurry up and slow down for at least 24 days in the fiscal year. Squadron force

by Chaplain (Capt.) Working within this context allows me Air Force Personnel Center Graydon Williams award development
JeSuS PRADo to see the uniqueness of the civilian Public Affairs superintendent,
and military worlds. It allows me to poses for a photo
56th Fighter Wing IMA Chaplain better understand how they’re similar Submitting civilian retirement applications just be- April 9 at Luke
A phrase that we’ve all become too and how they’re different. However, came a little easier. Effective April 1, civilian Airmen and by Tech. “I consider myself fortunate to have Air Force Base.
familiar with is COVID-19. Many of what I keep recognizing is the pace of Guardians can now submit their electronically-signed SgT. neSToR CRuz worked closely with him,” Smith said. Smith was rec-
us are well acquainted to this name, acceleration within both contexts. Most retirement forms using myPers. “There are truly no words to express how ognized for his
which fundamentally changed the of us sustain this arduous pace with an The first and most important step in the retirement 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs honored I am.” exemplary work
course of our world within months incredible juggling act. I’ll be the first process remains employees notifying their supervisor Senior Master Sgt. James Smith, 944th Smith said he’s grateful to his leaders in support of the
of its onset. What’s startling to me is to say that not only can this pace be or local civilian personnel office of their intent to retire. Force Support Squadron force develop- in the wing and his squadron for selecting wing’s mission
The recipient of the employee’s request will then submit
how far we’ve moved from its insidi- exhausting, it’s also not sustainable. I’d ment superintendent, was recognized him for this award. as recipient of
ous arrival and where we’re at today. venture to assert that these sustained a retirement Request for Personnel Action to the Air for his exemplary work in support of the Maj. Jessica Takashige, 944th FSS the 2021 Graydon
Force’s Personnel Center to initiate the formal process.
It’s hard to believe that this name is periods of exhaustion not only keep us Once AFPC completes its action, the employee will wing’s mission as recipient of the 2021 commander, considers Smith a crucial Courtesy photo Williams award.
already antiquated and relegated to an from stopping to smell the roses, but receive a myPers message to the email account(s) on Graydon Williams award. member of her team.
onset from two years ago. Where does also appear to make time disappear. Courtesy photo file, with instructions on how to submit the electroni- The award, sponsored and presented “Senior Master Sergeant Smith regu-
time go? The big take away for me is The potential outcome is that life may Chaplain (Capt.) Jesus Prado cally signed retirement forms and documents directly by the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, is larly goes above and beyond expectations,
that time really does fly. Since our time be passing us by as we’re too busy to through myPers. named after Tech. Sgt. Graydon Williams, quietly making an impact in the day-to-
is flying, I encourage you to hurry up stop and enjoy what we have here and It is important to remember that employees will con- an Air Reserve Technician who passed day lives of Luke Airmen,” Takashige
and slow down. Slow down? Allow me now — the beautiful gift of life. effort to slow down. In fact, hurry up tinue to use the Government Retirement and Benefits away at an early age due to cancer. said. “He personifies the character and
to illustrate. Life is a gift and we’re As I stop to contemplate these words, and slow down. Decelerate your life and platform for accuracy, said Sharon Mack, chief of the Ben- Smith, who joined the wing as an ART, traits of the late Williams, and I know
not promised tomorrow. In fact, life is I can’t help but bring an existential per- use your time to appreciate what you efits and Entitlements Service Team (BEST) here. Once worked with Williams in 1994, a time this award means a great deal to him
already zipping by for those gifted the spective to this seemingly simple, yet have today. Go out for a walk. Stare into forms are completed, employees can download them, when the wing was transitioning from because he personally knew Williams.
opportunity of today. This reflection often ignored, observation. So, what’s the clouds. Find nothing to do. Relax. electronically sign the forms using their Common Ac- helicopters to fighter jets. “He is one of our best yet one of our
calls to mind a relevant quote from a my insight? Unfortunately, I’m not a Enjoy what you have now and find the cess Card/Personal Identity Verification card certificate We had fun working together,” Smith most humble,” she added.
wise sage known as Master Oogway, great sage like Master Oogway, but leisure of simplicity that has been lost credentials, and submit them electronically via myPers. said. “I remember him as a fun guy to be Even as the cancer progressed in Wil-
who reminded the Dragon Warrior I do know a great book that gives us in our culture, for life is a vapor. What The team recognizes everyone may not have access around. He had a great sense of humor liams, Smith remembers his positive,
that, “Yesterday is history; tomorrow some great words of wisdom. From my you have today is a gift, so hurry up and to file electronically, so employees can still mail their and enjoyed pulling pranks. Of course, upbeat attitude.
a mystery; today is a gift — that’s faith tradition, in the Book of Psalms, slow down to enjoy it. retirement package with original signatures to the BEST. those were character traits we had to “I don’t remember his being negative
why it’s called the present,” (Kung Fu we’re told to, “Be still, and know that I For more information, or to speak For more information, go to myPers at https://mypers. have to survive maintenance back in or down about his situation,” Smith said.
Panda, 2008). am God,” (Psalm 46:10). These ancient with a Chaplain or Religious Affairs af.mil/app/answers/detail/a_id/23388/kw/23388/p/2. For the day.” “Willie’s legacy lives on in this award. I
I give you this perspective as an IMA words of wisdom still ring true today. Airman, please contact Luke AFB technical and functional questions, employees should Smith is one of the last ARTs who am humbled and I share this award with
Reservist, who drills on active duty I encourage you to make a conscious Chapel: 856-6211. contact the Total Force Service Center (TFSC) at 1-800- worked with Williams, making this award the men and women of that special time
525-0102. especially significant on a personal level. in our wing’s history.”

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