Chief says goodbye after 3 decades of service

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William Johnson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  An aerial port dog chief says goodbye to the Air Force and retires after a 30 year career that stretched to the globe.

Chief Master Sgt. James McDonald, 436th Aerial Port Squadron superintendent, retired after dedicating 30 years of service to the Air Force on Dec. 20, 2013. McDonald spent the final years of his career at Dover Air Force Base, Del., where he was responsible for overseeing 24-hour operations of the largest Aerial Port in the Department of Defense.

McDonald said being able to play a part in what the 436th APS has become will be his legacy.

"I enjoyed being the chief that was able to pass down the information from our commanders to help mold the aerial port into what it is today," McDonald said. "The hard work our Airmen do day in and day out is why the aerial port is able to accomplish its goals and the mission. I'm proud to have played a part in that."

While attending college at the University of Pittsburgh, McDonald and his father decided it would be best if he joined the Air Force and McDonald did just that in March of 1984.

McDonald initially planned on getting out after his required four-year commitment. However, he pinned on chief master sergeant in February 2009.

"I thought I was going to do my four years and get out," said McDonald. "The next thing I know, I'm re-enlisting and here I am 30 years later."

Lt. Col. Heather Cook, 436th APS commander, has worked with McDonald since she took command of the Aerial Port in 2012 and said his strength is what makes him such a well-rounded chief.

"The way he carries himself speaks to his character and eagerness to better his senior NCO's and Airmen," said Cook. "He brings a history and a culture of port dog to the Aerial Port."

McDonald's 30-year career has included 10 assignments that have taken him around the world. After completing basic training and graduating from technical training, McDonald received his first orders to Osan Air Base, South Korea.

One of McDonald's notable assignments was when he was assigned to Headquarters U.S. Central Command, where he was an airlift planner and member of the build-up team of U.S. Central Command's Forward Deployment Headquarters during the initial phases of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.

McDonald arrived at Dover AFB in November 2011 as the 436th APS superintendent and his energy was recognized from day one.

Senior Master Sgt. Patrick Piazza 436th Maintenance Squadron flight superintendent, was the 436th APS first sergeant when McDonald arrived at Dover and said McDonald's energy and work ethic quickly spread throughout the Aerial Port.

"He was an excellent chief that was always fair to his Airmen and NCO's," said Piazza. "He set a high standard in the Aerial Port and everyone met it."

During his off time McDonald is heavily into officiating and teaching volleyball. He officiates at local high schools and colleges, but also travels for the sport to even include the Junior Olympics.

McDonald plans to stay in the Dover area after his retirement and wants to take some time off before finding another job to spend quality time with his wife and five children.

McDonald said he will miss putting on the uniform every day, but offers advice for younger Airmen and NCO's who want to become a chief master sergeant.

"You have to live by one of our core values, service before self," said McDonald. "This is why we join. You have to put the Air Force first, but in turn the Air Force will do everything it can to take care of you."