WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- After more than 28 years of service to his country Chief Master Sgt. Michael Thorpe retired, effective June 1, 2016.
Chief Thorpe spent the better part of his career here at Westover. He did depart a few times, with a couple deployments, and most recently his stint as the Command Chief of the 22nd Air Force, Dobbins AFB, Georgia.
Chief Thorpe spent many nights away from home, many birthdays and even holidays were missed due to the mission.
“I signed up to do this job, my family was drafted into it,” Thorpe said. “I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart,” he said to his wife and two daughters.
Chief Thorpe was the highest ranking enlisted member at the 22nd, and his boss was the Commander of the unit, Lt. Gen. (Select) Stayce Harris.
“I would turn around and look for the Chief and I’d see him in the corner talking to an Airman,” Harris said. “The look in that Airman's eyes, that person felt like the most important person on the base for that moment.”
Chief Thorpe deployed a few times in his career in support of Operation Desert Storm/Shield and Noble Eagle. He was also the First Sergeant at the 321st Air Expeditionary wing, Masirah Island Air Base, Oman for roughly six months.
In his career all the Chief wanted was to aid and mentor the people around, whether it be an Airman or chief, or even an officer, his main goal was to help.
“I was hoping throughout my career I was able to touch and help at least a few people,” said the chief. “And by the gifts that I have received and the stories I have heard, I know I have, so thank you all for being a part of this journey with me.”