Photo By Staff Sgt. Adriana Barrientos | Col. Nikhil Patel, former 433rd Airlift Wing vice commander, gives a speech during his...... read more read more
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – Col. Nikhil Patel, 433rd Airlift Wing Vice Commander, was honored during a formal retirement ceremony after 32 years of military service, here, Jan. 7, 2023.
Patel was commissioned in 1991 as a Distinguished Graduate through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the University of California, Los Angeles, California. He’s since held numerous operational and leadership positions while serving on active duty and in the Reserve as a traditional reservist and Individual Mobilization Augmentee.
“I want to say thank you for all your leadership— all your support--both in the good times and the dark days.” said Col. Terry McClain, 433rd Airlift wing commander. “I could not have done my job without you.”
Patel admitted that while he doesn’t necessarily feel ready to retire, but the time is right.
“You always want to mentor and train your replacements, but to let them replace you, you have to leave,” said Patel. “I know you all will keep this wing going. It’s been an honor working with each and every one of you.”
Patel was assigned to the Alamo Wing in December 2019. He departs the Air Force with 2,600 flight hours and is currently a pilot for a major airline in the civilian sector.
| Date Taken: | 01.07.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 03.13.2023 10:24 |
| Story ID: | 439779 |
| Location: | TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 13 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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