Photo By Tech. Sgt. Michelle Ulber | 163d Attack Wing vice commander Col. Carrie Colas presents a folded flag to the wife...... read more read more
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MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. (June 14, 2017) – Hundreds gathered at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, June 7, to mourn 163d Attack Wing contractor and retiree Hal D. Byers, who died of unknown causes while off duty, Sunday, May 21.
At the time of his death, Byers, 51, worked at the wing as a systems administrator for MAG Aerospace. He previously served more than 31 years as a uniformed member of the wing before his military retirement as a Major in June, 2016.
Current, former, and retired members of the wing filled the cemetery amphitheater.
“As I look around, I see Grizzlies past and present, and this is evidence of how he touched all of our lives,” said 163d Attack Wing Chaplain (Maj.) David Sarmiento during his remarks. “He was someone that we truly loved.”
Byers enlisted in the Air National Guard in July, 1984, and joined the 163d Tactical Fighter Group as an information manager serving with the 163d Communications Flight.
From the late-1980s through the mid-1990s, Byers was the public face of the unit while serving as the unit’s recruiter.
In 1996, he earned honors as the 163d Refueling Wing Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
He was lauded again that year, earning statewide honors as the top recruiter in California. In a single year, he brought 55 new members to the unit and pushed the unit’s manning to 107%.
“He loved that job because he had an opportunity to talk to people every day and to help them get where they wanted to be,” said 163d Attack Wing Vice Commander, Col. Carrie Colas, who first met Byers during his time as the wing’s recruiter.
“Hal was all about taking care of people and making sure the mission got done,” Colas said.
After hours, Byers spent time raising two young daughters and working on a college degree. He graduated from California Baptist University summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems.
As an enlisted Airman, Byers rose to the rank of Master Sgt., and in October 2000, he earned a commission.
As an officer, he accepted command of the 163d Communications Flight. As flight commander, he was centrally responsible for the effective and secure communications systems utilized by more than 1,100 personnel.
He directed the infrastructure build up, procurement, and installation of more than $2.6 million in critical communications equipment as the wing established its Predator Operations Center and started transitioning to the MQ-1B Predator remotely piloted aircraft.
Byers was hand selected to be part of the wing’s command team during its final deployment with the KC-135R aerial tanker. In this role, he assisted the active duty Operations Group Commander with all aspects of the deployment and incorporated the Air National Guard into an established mission supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Following his successful tenure as a flight commander, Byers again took on a leadership position.
In September 2012, he accepted command of the 163d Force Support Squadron. He held the position for nearly four years, relinquishing command shortly before his military retirement.
“He loved being a commander because he could focus on taking care of his team and making sure that their mission was accomplished,” Colas said.
Byers’ personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Air Force Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and the Air Force Training Ribbon.
His state decorations include a California Commendation Medal, Governor’s Outstanding Unit Citation, California Good Conduct Medal, California Service Medal, Enlisted Excellence Ribbon, Recruiting Achievement Ribbon and California Drill Attendance Ribbon.
He was an avid community volunteer, serving at his church and also with the Martin Luther King High School band in Riverside.
“Hal’s life reminds us all that doing the most good for the most amount of people is how we should live our life,” Sarmiento said.
Byers' impact on the wing will ripple for generations, Colas said.
“He will never, ever be forgotten,” she said. “His legacy will live on in all of the Grizzlies he had an impact on everyday that he was at the 163d.”
Byers is survived by his wife and two daughters.
| Date Taken: | 06.14.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 01.18.2018 18:21 |
| Story ID: | 262492 |
| Location: | MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 596 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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