Retiree suits up for F-15E ride

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  After logging 23 years of service to the Air Force, 20 on active duty and three more years after retirement, the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Retiree Activities Office director climbed into the cockpit of an F-15E Strike Eagle for the first time.

Retired Senior Master Sgt. Elmer Bryans, a former communications operations superintendent, did not take to the sky in a Strike Eagle but taxied down the base runway as a passenger in the base's flagship flown by Col. Mark Kelly, 4th Fighter Wing commander.

Colonel Kelly offered the taxi ride to Mr. Bryans as a way to thank him for everything he continues to do for the base community as a volunteer without ever collecting a paycheck. As the RAO director, Mr. Bryans helps manage approximately 90 retirees and their spouses who volunteer on base. He also assists with disseminating information to the Seymour Johnson retiree community.

"I continue to give because of what I got from the Air Force," Mr. Bryans said. "When I came in I had an eighth grade education, when I left I had two years of college. My lifetime in the Air Force was good to me. I had a good time."

Each one of the base retirees and their spouses who volunteer here still have a sense of commitment for the Air Force and want to give back, he said.

Mr. Bryans departed the jet with a smile on his face, but it is not uncommon to see him that way.

"I was thrilled because I always wanted to do something like this," Mr. Bryans said. "Colonel Kelly is quite an officer. We had a good talk and he explained a lot about the aircraft. It was neat. We went over some of the displays and how small the area was, keeping everything close so (the air crew) can respond to whatever comes up."

Even though he no longer dons a uniform every day, Mr. Bryans is proud to be a part of the 4th FW.

"I love volunteering here," he said. "The people here are so nice and ready to step-up to the plate whenever you need them."