Enjoy the ride ... it goes by at Mach speed Published Dec. 11, 2006 By Col. Brian Dickerson 325th Fighter Wing vice commander TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- I know for a lot of you who have been around for a while, you have heard folks about to retire declare, "Where has the time gone? It feels like only yesterday that I took the oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States for the first time." Yet here I am today, about to retire from the Air Force after nearly 24- plus years of proud service ... saying the same thing, "Where has the time gone?" I have been so incredibly fortunate in my career. From having the privilege of being selected to serve to the honor of being selected to attend undergraduate pilot training ... from getting to fly the F-15 to graduating from the Fighter Weapons School ... from getting wonderful assignments around the world to being given the privilege of commanding a fighter squadron. But the real fortunes are not these personal achievements; they are and always have revolved around the people. You all are truly Airmen of the greatest Air Force in history. I have always said that one of the primary reasons I have stayed is the people. It has never mattered if they were active duty "blue suiters," civil servants or contractors, National Guard or Reservists, or of course one of the most vital parts of "us" -- our families. The dedication, sacrifices and excellence of all Airmen and our families are truly awe inspiring and it's humbling to be considered a part of this magnificent team. The Air Force is so much a part of me. I would not change a single thing I have done over my career and I cannot think of a better 'corporation' to work for than the United States Air Force. I will always "bleed Air Force blue." As I reflect back on more than two decades of service, I see some significant history. When I was a second lieutenant sitting "Zulu Alert" at Bitburg AB, Germany, the enemy was real and identifiable, and only five minutes flight time away. I was on multiple missions where we intercepted Soviet bombers in international airspace before they could complete their practice bombing missions. I watched with the rest of the world as the Berlin Wall was torn down piece by piece. A number of years later, as a squadron commander, my squadron flew combat air patrols over our nation's capital on Sept. 11, 2001 and continued to have at least two airplanes in the air 24 hours a day for 120 days straight. And today I marvel as Air Force Airmen transform themselves to supply the needs of the current war. Who would have guessed that we would send our Airmen to do convoy duty with our Army brothers and sisters in arms? That our civilian Airmen would be in the war zone right along side of our uniformed military? Or that we could fly and employ unmanned weapons systems in Iraq from the western United States? But through it all there is one very similar and common bond - patriotism, devotion and selfless commitment of my fellow Airmen. There is no other group of people in the world who are better than those who wear the uniform of the USAF and our fellow military services. And I'm absolutely positive and proud to say that I've served with the best. As I leave this assignment and the Air Force, I offer you one small bit of advice, especially for the junior Airmen ... enjoy the ride, because it goes by at Mach speed. Even when the job seems overwhelming or the mission forces you to deploy to all corners of the globe, make the best of it, and soak up every minute of experience, culture and characteristic, and you'll see it makes for a lifetime of memories. I can truly say that the best assignment I've ever had has always been ... the one I was in! I would be remiss if I didn't thank at least one person by name. She has been my soul mate, my best friend, my councilor and my wife. Donna has been there every step of the way, sacrificing as much - if not more - than I have. Donna ... thank you ... I love you. I do wish I could thank each and everyone of those who have touched Donna and me in so many ways but I would spent the rest of my retired life doing that and there are so many, I probably don't have enough years left to do a good job of it. Instead, Donna and I want to wish you all Godspeed, fair winds and best of luck. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for what you do for your nation, and thank you for making my job as the vice wing commander of the Checkertail Clan the best in my career. Check six...