Wuller says farewell to Air Force Reserve Published May 5, 2008 By 932nd Airlift Wing CE SCOTT AFB, Ill -- Chief Master Sgt. Mark Wuller retired Feb. 29 after nearly 29 years. The Civil Engineer Operations Flight Superintendent and former Marine joined the 932nd Civil Engineering Squadron in 1985 after spending five years in the Marine Corps Reserve. "I grew tired of playing war games and cleaning weapons every weekend in the Marine Corps Reserves," said Chief Wuller. "I decided that I wanted a mental challenge, so I joined the Air Force National Guard - Jefferson Barracks as a Navigation Aids Equipment Specialist. I was a member of the National Guard for almost two years and had never touched or seen any equipment that we were supposed to maintain. I decided to join the Air Force Reserve at the 932nd AW." "I joined the military because I wanted to serve my country. Most of my family are ex-military members. I was always a very athletic person growing up in grade school and high school. I played football, softball and baseball all the time." Chief Wuller decided the only service branch that could physically challenge him was the United States Marine Corps. Over the years, he has served as a navigation aids equipment specialist, electrician, electrical superintendent, and Civil Engineer Operations Flight Superintendent "Within the first two month in the reserve program I did more work than I did in two years with the National Guard," said Chief Wuller. What will he miss about the 932nd? "My military friends and family. My retirement is a bitter-sweet occasion. I have a military family along with my family at home. Some of my Scott AFB family, I've known for almost 23 years. I grew up working and playing with them, in good times and bad. I've attended their weddings, deployed with them overseas, and I've helped them through their personal lives, as they have helped mine. I know many of their spouse's and children's names. Although, I look forward to spending extra time with my family at home, and with my children and granddaughter." When offering advice to younger Airmen, Chief Wuller referred to his retirement program. "Although, I am leaving the reserve program, I will be watching your progress with interest and I shall indeed be back to see you. I am certain you will all go on to achieve far better things than I did. "Remember if you work together as a team, you will not fail. If my legacy to you was time spent building this unit up from the basics of leadership, your legacy to me is one of camaraderie, faith in teamwork and an unrelenting passion for success. Leaders are not born, they are made. Leaders use words like we, please, and thank you, and team. They ask for opinions, they listen, tell you when you did a good job or bad one, and true leaders admit mistakes. Leaders have a clear sense of direction, and are willing to do everything the team is asked to do. Use these traits to be effective leaders and 'WE' will succeed in the war against terrorism."