MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. -- General Melin says 'farewell' after thirty-nine years in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve; four years as 452nd Air Mobility Wing commander

There comes a time when saying good-bye and thank you are words that seem to fit the occasion, but do not truly cover the real meaning of what needs to be said. It has been my pleasure to serve this nation and work with the most talented, dedicated and professional people this country has for close to 39 years.

Through those years, I have been mentored, supported and pushed along by family, friends and fellow airmen for whom I have the greatest respect and I would like to say thank you to each and every one of those people. Some will be reading this now, and
hopefully this message will find everyone else wherever they may be, even if only through strange and mysterious ways.

Now is not a time to say good-bye to the great people of March Field and the Inland Empire. Linda and I intend to be a part of this community for years to come. We will always be available to help and look forward to sharing many more rewarding moments as a part of this great team.

Certainly the future holds many challenges for the men and women who choose to serve this country. I can think of no stronger, more talented and deserving group to be counted on when it matters the most than the men and women here at March Field.

I have always told public groups, when given the chance through the years, that a Citizen Soldier or Airman typically has three characteristics that allow them to stand out in their community. First, they believe in a moral compass that guides them in choosing between right and wrong. Second, they believe in their family and their community; and third, they believe in doing what is right even if it not beneficial to them personally.

In the United States Air Force, our motto is Service Before Self. For me, that has always been the simplest way of expressing who we are as Citizen Soldiers in service to this great nation. If you work together, believe in each other and prepare yourselves personally to do your part, there is nothing that can stand in the way of success in everything you do.

I thank each and every one of you for all you have done for me through the years and wish you the very best for the future. You have all earned my utmost respect and gratitude and I look forward to being able to support you again in any way possible when it matters the most.

Thank you and take care.