433rd MDS commander retires after 32 years of service

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bryan Swink
  • 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland --  Family, friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate the retirement of Col. Anthony Pena, 433rd Medical Squadron commander, June 5 during a retirement ceremony held at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

Retired Col. Wayne Olson, former 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron commander, presided over the ceremony, presenting Pena with his second Meritorious Service Medal, his retirement order as well as numerous letters of appreciation from elected officials.

"One of the greatest traits Col. Pena has is his true care and concern for the people he works with," said Olson. "He always made sure his Airmen were set up for success which ensured the mission was accomplished."

Taken aback by the support and respect shown by those in attendance, Pena expressed his gratitude to those who he's worked with and have supported him throughout the years.

"The fact that so many people across the wing and my family and friends came out for this event is extremely special," said Pena. "Words really can't express the level of appreciation I have for everyone in this room."

Pena impacted the lives of countless individuals during his time in the service, including one person who followed in his footsteps and established her own career in the 433rd AES.

"He has been an inspiration to me my entire life, especially throughout my Air Force career," said Staff Sgt. Amanda Torres, 433rd AES technician and daughter of Pena. "I'm so proud of everything he's accomplished in his time here and I'll always cherish the memories of serving with him in the 433rd."

Pena enlisted in the Air Force Reserves in 1983 as an aeromedical evacuation technician stationed at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas. He served as a flight instructor in both the 34th AES and 32nd Aeromedical Evacuation Group at Kelly Air Force Base before being commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps in 1989 with the 32nd AEG.

Since commissioning, Pena has served in numerous key executive management and joint leadership positions while assigned to the 433rd AES as well as various units while deployed in support of overseas contingency operations.