Retiring commander says goodbye to troops Published Nov. 15, 2007 By Kandis West Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Although 555th Aircraft Sustainment Squadron retiring commander Col. James H. Hall aspired to be a pilot, fate would have it that he would become a maintenance officer. He said he hasn't regretted the decision in all of his 30 years of service. "Taking aircraft that lands broken and being able to repair it to accomplish the mission is good. It's great seeing that teamwork," Colonel Hall said. During Colonel Hall's retirement ceremony Nov. 9 at the Tinker Club, presiding officer Col. Paul Waugh, 327th Aircraft Sustainment Wing commander, thanked him for his service. "The thing that strikes me the most about Jim is that the Air Force core values are integrity, service before self and excellence in all that we do, I think Jim exemplifies those qualities," Colonel Waugh said. Colonel Waugh set the tone for the ceremony saying that a retirement ceremony should not be a solemn occasion. "It's the end of a career but the beginning of the rest of his life," he said. "It's a celebration of all he's done for the Air Force." Colonel Hall said his most memorable moment of service was being able to deploy with the aircraft in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. "It's very rewarding to implement what you have been practicing throughout the years," he said. During the ceremony, Colonel Hall was presented with gifts and warm words from Colonel Waugh, 747th Aircraft Sustainment Group commander Col. Keith Weyenberg, 555th ACSS deputy director Sam Malone among others. Overall, Colonel Hall said it's been a great career and he has no regrets. In fact, he said if it weren't for the 30-year cap, he would stay in the Air Force. "It's important to enjoy your work, and I was enjoying what I was doing," he said. However, the colonel said he looks forward to taking some time off and just relaxing. The New York native said he plans to stay in the area. "I don't mind tornadoes too much. It's a nice place, nice people, it could use a few more trees," he said lightly. Colonel Hall was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1978. He is a career maintenance officer with squadron and wing level assignments with KC-135, B-52, B-1 and B-2 aircraft.