Maintenance Group Colonel retires after more than 30 years in Air Force

Col. William W. Whittenberger Jr., (left) 433rd Airlift Wing commander, honors Col. Charles M. Combs, 433rd Maintenance Group commander, during the group commander’s retirement ceremony April 11, 2015 at the Inter-American Air Force Academy, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Colonel Combs, a New Mexico native, attended Officer Training School in August 1983, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. His Air Force career spanned more than 30 years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Lindsey)

Mainteance Group Commander retires after more than 30 years in Air Force

The 433rd Airlift Wing Honor Guard performs a flag-folding ceremony during Col. Charles M. Combs’ retirement ceremony April 11, 2015 at the Inter-American Air Force Academy, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Col. Combs' Air Force career spanned more than 30 years and 11 assignments, with his last assignment as the 433rd Maintenance Group commander, here at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Lindsey)

Maintenace Group Commander Colonel retires after more than 30 years in Air Force

Col. Charles M. Combs, 433rd Maintenance Group commander, addresses the crowd at his retirement ceremony April 11, 2015 at the Inter-American Air Force Academy, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Airmen and civilians from across the wing, as well as family and friends, filled the theater to thank the more than 30-year Air Force veteran for his service and to wish him well in retirement. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Lindsey)

433rd Maintenance group commander retires

Published April 12, 2015
By Tech. Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland -- After serving more than 30 years in the U.S. Air Force, Col. Charles M. Combs, 433rd Maintenance Group commander, retired today during a ceremony at the Inter American Air Force Academy, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

His long time mentor, Retired Col. Mahlon Stief, former 433rd Logistics Group commander, presided over the ceremony that was attended by a room full of family, friends and coworkers.

The a New Mexico native, entered the Air Force after attending Officer Training School in August 1983, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. Combs took command of the 433rd MXG in September 2011.