Former Command Chief retires from 36-year AF Reserve career Published June 14, 2006 By Master Sgt. Bryan Ripple 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- Retired Chief Master Sergeant Dennis Kirkland says he’ll never forget driving his white 1967 Chevrolet Impala through the gate here at Youngstown Air Reserve Station June 10, 1970 to start his career in the Air Force Reserve at the young age of 18. His career turned out to be a long and distinguished one—spanning 36 years, with all but 2 ½ of those years served with the 910th Airlift Wing. Dennis grew up in the nearby small town of Newton Falls, Ohio. One of his brothers was serving with the Army in Vietnam and another was a soldier in the de-militarized zone of Korea. Both of them wrote to Dennis and urged him to the join the Reserve so he decided he would serve his country as part of the 910th. “The memories will be in my mind forever. The Air Force Reserve has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things I have done in my life,” said Chief Kirkland. His determination to be successful has been evident both in the military and in his civilian capacity as a Citizen Airman. After graduating from Newton Falls High School in 1969, Dennis began working for his hometown as a street department laborer. He worked for the city for 30 years in various capacities, constantly taking on more responsibility, eventually retiring as City Manager in June 1999. In 1970 Airman Kirkland’s first military assignment was in Base Supply on the street side of Hangar 305 for five years until his position was eliminated in 1975 due to a change in the mission from the Cessna trainer aircraft to the A-37 fighter jets. He then began working for Services at lodging, the fitness center, and was also the Combat Support Squadron On-the-job Training Manager as an additional duty. Another career field change happened in 1980 when he transferred to the medical supply field. He became the first sergeant for the medical squadron in 1981, and held that position as an additional duty for 10 years until 1991. In 1987 he became a medic and March 1990 marked an important milestone for him when he attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. With 10 years of experience as a Chief on his resume, he was chosen by retired Air Force Reserve Brig. Gen. Michael F. Gjede, former commander of the 910th Airlift Wing, to be the Command Chief of the 910th in January 2000. After two years representing the enlisted personnel of the 910th, the Chief decided it was time to expand his horizon a little further and applied for and was selected in Jan. 2003 to be the Command Chief of 4th Air Force, with headquarters at March Air Reserve Base, Calif. In this capacity he represented more than 26,000 Airmen at 20-plus bases and Geographically Separated Units. Chief Kirkland held the 4th AF Command Chief position until June 2005 when he made the decision to return to the 910th as a special assistant to the commander. During his last year with the 910th, the Chief had a lot of responsibility helping the wing prepare for the November 2005 Unit Compliance Inspection and assisting Chief Bob Glus, command chief of the 910th Airlift Wing with the quarterly and yearly award boards. For people who have known Chief Kirkland for a long time, it’s no surprise that Chief Kirkland has done so well in his life. Robert Milich, a Youngstown Municipal Court Judge, and retired Air Force Reserve Lt. Colonel, has known Chief Kirkland since 1972 when they first worked together here. “I’ve always known Dennis to be a quick study, a go-to kind of guy,” said Judge Milich. “It’s rare to find someone who has such a technical knowledge of so many things and great managerial skills at the same time,” he said while reflecting back over the years. “I’m sure Dennis will keep busy in his retirement. He’s only 54 and has a lot of energy. I can’t see him just going fishing and not keeping involved in some manner,” he said. Throughout his career Chief Kirkland has met a lot of people and made some great friends. “I’d like to thank everyone for their friendship and camaraderie. “But most of all, I would like to thank my wife Debbie and my kids for putting up with me being gone so much and missing the many important dates in their lives,” said Chief Kirkland. Chief Kirkland held many important positions over the years in the Air Force Reserve. His advice to young Airmen looking ahead toward their own careers is simple. “Our young people should set their goals high and aim for them every day. They shouldn’t let anything stop their progression. Sometimes we have to move or retrain to advance, but the opportunities are there. You have to reach out and grab them.” This would be some good advice based upon the success of retired Air Force Reserve Chief Master Sgt. Dennis L. Kirkland.