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76th MXSG director retires

  • Published
  • By Kimberly Woodruff
  • Staff Writer
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  After a 42-year Air Force career, Gary Krebsbach, director of the 76th Maintenance Support Group, retired Sept. 21 during a ceremony at Hollywood and Vine in Bldg. 3001.

Retired Lt. Gen. Bruce Litchfield presided over the ceremony and spoke about Mr. Krebsbach's career as both an active duty and civilian Airman and how he worked up from mechanic to an expert in acquisitions.

General Litchfield said Mr. Krebsbach had the back of his family and everyone who worked for him.

"He was territorial about sticking up for his people," the general said.

After tossing Mr. Krebsbach a pack of M&Ms, General Litchfield told a story of one of his troops who got a write up for eating the candy in the work center. Knowing it wasn't a big deal, Mr. Krebsbach defended the M&M eater and said the person would be the best and brightest.

"It was a great honor and privilege to serve with Gary," said General Litchfield. "With 42 years of service, 41 years of marriage, he's spent his entire life serving his family and making things better. We're all better for having served with you."

Mr. Krebsbach, who loves trivia, left the audience random tidbits to ponder.

"This time 42 years ago, gasoline was 40 cents a gallon, 8-track tape was all the rage, Marvin Gaye, Cher and Diana Ross were topping music charts, and "American Grafitti," the "Exorcist," and "The Way We Were" played at the box office. Richard Nixon was president of the United States," said Mr. Krebsbach. "Things were changing but some things stayed the same."

Mr. Krebsbach also talked about the number 21. He joined the Air Force Sept. 21, 1973, and he married his wife Patty on Sept. 21 the following year. After 21 years of active duty, he started civil service work on Aug. 21 and served another 21 years.

"I've been to 48 states, 28 countries, five continents, and I've seen more than most people get to see," he said. "Oh, and I like Blackjack, too."

Mr. Krebsbach said working for the 76th Maintenance Support Group has been the best job he will ever have.

"The 76th Maintenance Group is making it happen every day," he said. "We -- you -- are not benchmarking industry, but industry is benchmarking you."