Lt. Col. Shirley Burke retired in June 2008 from the 932nd Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. In this photo she is seen on active duty during her time in overseas. “You always remember your first-duty assignment. Also, you don’t forget the people who helped you along the way.” She still writes and keeps up with many of her former Langley friends and coworkers. Colonel Burke credits a former commander, retired Brig. Gen. Walter Jones, as her career mentor. “He demanded a lot and expected you to know your job. At the same time, he would share his knowledge.” She spent many years and several assignments in the old Air Force Communications Command.