From a dare to a fruitful career, 848th SCMG commander retires Published June 10, 2011 By Brandice J. O'Brien Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Think twice before you challenge Col. Luis Rosa-Berrios to do anything. What started as a dare a quarter of century ago has led to three desert operations, three Masters of Science degrees and 12 duty assignments. Yet, later this month, the adventure will come to an end when the colonel retires from the Air Force. Looking back on a 24-year rich career that began innocently and accidentally, the 848th Supply Chain Management Group commander said he's been blessed and is grateful for the opportunities. "If you work hard, are committed and dedicated to the mission, the Air Force will take care of you," said Colonel Rosa-Berrios. "It's been a great way for me to serve and is a great service. It took a young man from Puerto Rico out of the island and let him see places he never thought he'd see." Roughly 25 years ago, when the colonel was merely a junior in college at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, his lifelong friend and housemate proposed the dare -- join the Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. "I casually said, 'you wouldn't last a month in the program. For starters, I don't think you'd cut your hair above your ears,'" said Col. Jose Sánchez, who is now the director of Plans and Programs for the 12th Air Force at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. "Before I knew it, he had registered himself in the basic AFROTC class, got a haircut and showed me his uniform issue." In 1987, Colonel Rosa-Berrios graduated, received his commission and was on his way. "Literally, within the first 30 days of active duty, I was hooked," Colonel Rosa-Berrios said. And, he was making a difference. "Colonel Rosa-Berrios has done all that the Air Force and his country has asked of him and then some," Colonel Sánchez said. "From the beaches of Guam to the sands of the Middle East, through the halls of the Pentagon and finally to the plains of Oklahoma, Colonel Rosa-Berrios has been a leader that has had his people and family as priorities. "He entered the Air Force just as it transitioned from an in-garrison to an expeditionary force and he very ably assured that the Airmen and families under his leadership were well taken care of during times of war," Colonel Sánchez said. In July 2009, Colonel Rosa-Berrios arrived at Tinker to serve in the 848th SCMG; an assignment which he said was incredibly challenging, yet rewarding. He said the magnitude of the supply chain and seeing how far the business extends and supporting aging weapon systems are among the most challenging aspects. Yet, success has been achieved through various agencies working together, progress has been made. Additionally, immersing himself with the local community has also made a difference. "People really want to do a good job," Colonel Rosa-Berrios said. "They want to be a part of supporting the warfighter and they really do their best and go out of their way to support the warfighter." His efforts have been noticed. "Colonel Rosa-Berrios stepped in and took on one of the biggest challenges in the Air Force Global Logistics Support Center and 448th Supply Chain Management Wing as he led the 848th group to positive improvements," said Gilbert Montoya, 448th SCMW director. "The results his group delivered were key to the AFGLSC being awarded the National Defense Industrial Association Supply Chain excellence award for Department of Defense." But, now, the colonel decided it is time start a new chapter, one in which he spends more time with his wife and three boys. Though he doesn't know the exact plans yet, he said he and his family will stay in the Oklahoma City metro. Colonel Rosa-Berrios' retirement ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. June 17 at the Tinker Club. For more information, call 736-3274.