Col. Harris set to retire after life in the Air Force Published June 11, 2010 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- "I like Air Force bases. I like the sound of jets, reveille in the morning and the national anthem in the afternoon," said Col. John Harris. "We are here to keep our country safe and that demands a certain lifestyle." It is a lifestyle Colonel Harris, an Air Force brat and 30-year veteran, is quite used to. He joined the Air Force because he wanted "to be around airplanes." His goal was simple. He'd stay in the service for 20 years and retire at the major rank. But, when he retires today, he can say he exceeded his goal. Colonel Harris, 76th Maintenance Wing vice commander, was commissioned in the Air Force following a five-year career as an Oklahoma City high school teacher. While he said he loved teaching, he couldn't afford it. So, he did the next best thing and through his decision, he learned more about himself. During his aircraft maintenance career that has taken him to positions at the wing, major command and Air Staff levels the colonel said he learned to trust his instincts and voice, which is what he encourages young Airmen to do. "Know there's a time to speak and a time to march, and until your boss declares that discussion over, you're cleared to voice your opinion," Colonel Harris said. "I hated being wrong, so I held back. I could have taken more risk. As I became more senior, the quality that I looked for in subordinates was a clear moral compass and the willingness to tell me what they think." His peers, including a Tinker colonel who had previously been stationed with him, said they appreciate his operating style and will miss him. "His numerous positive impacts and keen common-sense approach to addressing issues over his 30 years in the service to his country will be sorely missed," said Col. Herbert Phillips, 76th Commodities Maintenance Group commander, who had been previously assigned with Colonel Harris. "I wish him only the best as reaches this significant milestone." "John Harris is a fantastic officer and the wealth of field experience he has brought to the wing was invaluable," said Col. Evan Miller, 76th Propulsion Maintenance Wing commander. "He is a great friend. His superb perspective, great attitude and wise counsel will be missed." Since arriving at Tinker and the maintenance wing in June 2009, the colonel said he's been a part of a superb team. He's most proud of the wing passing the Logistics Compliance Assessment Team inspection. During the first 12 days of March, Tinker welcomed the LCAT team - comprised of approximately 70 personnel from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and augmentees from other installations, the team examined Tinker's Air Force Materiel Command organizations and Tinker's host unit, the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center. The team evaluated the organizations to ensure operations were performed in a repeatable standard that's safe and technically competent. "The other ALCs had to re-take parts of the inspection. We were the first to pass the test the first time out," Colonel Harris said. "That didn't happen by accident either. Rather than working hard at the last minute to prepare, Brig. Gen. Bruce Litchfield, 76th MXW commander, set high expectations early so when the inspectors landed, we didn't have to do anything extraordinary to get ready. We also had the union ready to step with us, which was a great help." As he prepares for a new life and employment in Oklahoma City, Colonel Harris said he'll miss Tinker, but takes great comfort in the fact that the Air Force is self-replicating. "As important as I might think I am, there are those behind me who are talented, capable and ready to take my place," Colonel Harris said. "And, that's the way it's supposed to be."