Former Wing Commander retires after 32 years

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emily Hulse
  • 151 ARW/PA
SALT LAKE CITY --  Col. Kelvin G. Findlay, former 151 Air Refueling Wing commander and Chief of Staff for the Air National Guard, retired January 7, after 32 years of service in the ANG.

Findlay joined the ANG in 1979, completing the Air National Guard's Academy of Military Science, then going on to becoming a pilot through Undergraduate Pilot Training at Reese Air Force Base, Texas, and Combat Crew Training School, Castle Air Force Base, Calif., as a KC-135A pilot.

Findlay's service has always been in the Utah ANG, beginning as a pilot and instructor with the 191st Air Refueling Squadron.

"The greatest joy and satisfaction of Col. Findlay has been to simply be a team member of the 151st ARW, and a member of the Utah Air National Guard," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Greg Clark, as he introduced Findlay at his retirement ceremony.

Findlay influenced many of the ANG's current leaders throughout his service, many of whom made remarks regarding that influence at the ceremony.

"If there's one word that describes Kel Findlay," said Col. Darwin L. Craig, "The first thing that came to my mind was legacy."

The ceremony was also attended by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who mentioned specifically the support Findlay had from his family.

"The legacy of family is also the legacy of the National Guard," said Uchtdorf. "You represent your own family, but in many ways you also represent this Air National Guard family, which I can feel has depth, a feeling of unity and of love and commitment to country and God, which is exemplary for so many."

Findlay concluded the ceremony, saying that his heart has always been with the ANG, and hopes that operations continue as they have been.

"I want to thank all of the Airmen of the ANG," said Findlay. "I encourage you to keep up the good things about the guard, keep up the family feeling, to keep the love and the camaraderie that we have that is so special."