Chaplain (Maj.) Keith Turner, 932nd Airlift Wing, is one of many wing members who ride bikes for fun and for good causes. He is retiring from the Air Force Reserve Command to spend more time with his family and congregation pastoring. Courtesy photo.

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These Air Force Reservists come from two different states to drill at the 932nd Airlift Wing in Illinois. Both are traditional Air Force Reservists who live and work in their communities, and both are an integral part of the 932nd Airlift Wing Chapel staff, Chaplain Major Keith Turner and Master Sgt. Harold VonDeBur (retired).

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The 932nd Airlift Wing Chaplain (Maj.) Keith Turner, welcomes a broadcaster from the University of Illinois during a recent tour. Broadcasting graduate students from the University of Illinois recently interviewed him.

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Chaplain Turner bids fond farewell to 932nd Airlift Wing during drill weekend

Published May 1, 2012
By 932nd Airlift Wing
Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- To every thing there is a season.

As spring gets warmer and changes to summer soon, so too have changes come to the 932nd Airlift Wing. Chaplain (Maj.) Alan Keith Turner is a well-known figure within the 932nd Airlift Wing and 22nd Air Force. He's gone overseas with the wing and participated in many exercises over the years, helping others through stressfull times.

This weekend he says farewell to his military comrades as he retires from the Air Force Reserve Command at his unit in Illinois.

His special retirement event will take place on 5 May at 2 p.m. with a ceremony open to all members.

Chaplain Turner loves sports. The year he joined the Air Force was 1992 and the biggest sporting events looked like this:

-Super Bowl:
Washington d. Buffalo (37-24)

-World Series:
Toronto d. Atlanta Braves (4-2)

-NBA Championship:
Chicago d. Portland (4-2)

-NCAA Football Champions
Alabama (13-0-0)

(NOTE: Chaplain Turner is a huge Auburn fan).
George Herbert Walker Bush was President in 1992, as a young Alan Turner was his starting date in military service. Chaplain Turner said time has flown by and it seems like it has been 20 years plus a nap!

How many years has he been working military duties?

"I've spent 16 years with 932nd, two years at the 94th over at Dobbins Air Force Base, along with two years as Deputy Command Chaplain, 22nd Air Force," said the chaplain.

How did it all start for him?

"While I was pastor in Cordele, Ga, one of my church members was in the Army National Guard. They lost their chaplain, and he asked if I would fill in and do a devotional for his squadron. I agreed, and determined while in that setting, to pursue a career in the USAF Reserves. I already held a masters degree, but had to enroll in seminary once again to obtain the degree that Uncle Sam wanted," said Maj. Turner.

Serving his church membership and those in this military unit have been just a part of his good nature.

"I remember working with him during Operation Pacific Nightingale at Yokota Air Base, Japan years ago. We had been working hard with the 932nd ASTS for a couple of weeks. Toward the end of the exercise, Chaplain Turner got with the local fire department, and next thing you know when I turned around, he had procured two big grills, hot dogs, burgers and brats, and had a wonderful cook out going for all the Airmen. It was a great way to show he cared about the folks," said Tech. Sgt. Daniel Oliver.

Retired 932nd AW member Lt. Col. John Vreeland had additional thoughts on Turner's service.

"Keith has lived and experienced life which enables him to relate to just about everyone. He can counsel without being 'preachy' and that is the primary reason I respect him as man and cleric and why I am proud to call him a friend," said Col. Vreeland.

These are the legacy moments Chaplain Turner will leave as great memories for others in the unit to remember him by.

"I have had a wingman concept from the beginning. It is what we are suppose to do as chaplains. We take care of our people, period. I have no respect for chaplains or commanders who are not considerate of the needs of those entrusted to their care.

"I will miss the people at the 932nd and the sense of comradeship that exists in the military. Joining the military, ranks among the top 10 best decisions I have made in my life. I am so proud to have served, and served my people well," said Chaplain Turner.

He serves others in his community too and is well known for cooking up great food before Auburn football games.

"I don't know that I would repeat any part of my career over again, but I do wish I hadn't eaten so much pecan pie...not really! I have had the opportunity to travel extensively during my career in the USAF and have met some interesting folks. As much as I appreciated the 'bull' sessions, I equally appreciated those who would give me honest feedback instead of a slap on the back. I would encourage more loving honesty to those younger airmen, as well as our seasoned troops.

"I plan to continue to shepherd my churches in Hurtsboro and Fort Davis, Alabama. My church members have remained loyal and faithful to my service with the USAF. I am blessed to serve them and plan to spend more time with my wonderful wife, Rhonda. No part of my career would have been possible without the sacrifice and support of my family. Our children, Rachel and Drew, always understood when I had to be away, but they never liked it any more than me," concluded Chaplain Turner.