Lt. Col. Shirley Burke officially retired in June after serving 28 years that included active and Reserve duty. Colonel Burke has served as chief of communications-maintenance. Other assignments include chief of the 2069th Communications Group at Nellis AFB, Nevada. Colonel Burke also served as plans and programs officer at AFCC at Scott. After leaving the active duty Air Force, she joined 932nd AW in January 1993. Based on Colonel Burke’s prior experience, she was selected as chief of the 932nd Communications Flight. Several years later, the flight was eliminated due to a reorganization. “We were a close-knit group and it was a little sad to see it go,” she said. She believes that a cornerstone of leadership—is guiding and mentoring those coming through the ranks. Colonel Burke said that was emphasized from her first day in the Air Force Reserve. “Throughout the wing, its evident our leaders and supervisors place mentoring high on the priority list.” During her 15 years at the 932nd Airlift Wing, Colonel Burke has held several posts. Her current position is the Wing Inspector General. She has also served as chief of Military Equal Opportunity.