Retiring chief looks toward next chapter Published April 1, 2011 By Eric M. White 910 AW/PA YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- After three decades of faithful service to her country as an Airman at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS), Chief Master Sergeant Arlene Boozer is retiring. Chief Boozer joined the Air Force Reserve after graduating from Youngstown State University with a B.S. in Education. "It was one of those dreams I always had. I always wanted to serve my country," she said. She often thought about joining the military, but that thought became reality when a friend in the Active Duty Air Force brought her to see Youngstown Air Reserve Station. Soon after visiting what she calls the "Air Force Reserve's best-kept secret," Chief Boozer began her military career as an administrative assistant in the Logistics Readiness Squadron, then known as plans. This first step began her long and varied career, during which she would work as Base Commander Colonel Skinner's secretary, an air cargo specialist for the Aerial Port Squadron and eventually, senior non-commissioned officer of process management. During a 33 year career, change is inevitable. Chief Boozer notes the conversion from A-37s to C-130Bs as a particularly exciting time. "It was also very exciting for the Wing when we got our first general officer," she said. Colonel Michael F. Gjede was promoted to Brigadier General after the U.S. Senate approved his nomination in June, 1999. The bond shared by Airmen transcends the typical relationship of coworkers. "I had always heard that the 910th was a family, but I didn't really get that until my husband became ill with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)," she said. Base colleagues and friends supported Chief Boozer like family during this difficult time. Airmen from Maintenance and Avionics came out to her house to build a wheelchair ramp, and members of the Civil Engineer Squadron built a bridge in her backyard. Now that her military career is concluding, Chief Boozer has big plans for the next chapter in an already impressive book. She is applying to Kent State University's Salem branch where she hopes to earn an Associate's of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology. Chief Boozer will miss and be missed by YARS, but plans to stay in the area at least part-time. To her fellow Airmen, perhaps just beginning a career that will last decades, Chief Boozer leaves some parting advice. "Follow the core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all you do, and this will be a great experience for you," she said.