Chief Master Sergeant Angus A. “Al” Garner of Gloucester, Senior Enlisted Leader and Force Development Leader of the 192nd Wing of the Virginia Air National Guard at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, will retire on Aug. 27.

With a military career spanning nearly four decades, Garner has made significant contributions to the USAF and the Virginia Air National Guard.

As Senior Enlisted Leader, Garner provided guidance to squadron and group leadership, particularly in matters related to maintenance activities affecting operations. He also served as the focal point for group-wide Airman training, development, and career enhancement. His leadership played a pivotal role in improving Airman development, organizational structure, and leadership core competency.

His military career began in August 1987 when he entered the United States Air Force after graduating from Bluestone High School in Skipwith, Virginia. His assignments took him to various locations, including Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, Kunsan Air Base in Korea, and Langley Air Force Base. During his active-duty tour, he worked on F-15 and F-16 aircraft, gaining valuable experience and expertise.

In 1992, Garner joined the 192nd Fighter Wing of the Virginia Air National Guard as a drill status guardsman, focusing on F-16 aircraft maintenance. Over time, he transitioned to a full-time technician role, in positions such as Load Crew Standardization Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge and Quality Assurance Weapons Inspector. His commitment led him to cross-train into the Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Specialty, eventually becoming the Quality Assurance Superintendent in March 2006.

Notably, Garner established and managed the wing’s first Wing Inspection Program in July 2014. In June 2018, he was selected as the Maintenance Squadron Superintendent.

Garner was the first African American to lead the Weapons Load Crew Standardization Section, serve as a Weapons Quality Assurance Inspector, and as Quality Assurance Superintendent in the Virginia Air National Guard. His leadership extended beyond domestic duties; he volunteered for overseas deployments, including Operations Iraqi Freedom, Provide Comfort II and Noble Eagle.

Additionally, Garner participated in various exercises, including Red Flag, Maple Flag, Combat Hammer, Combat Archer, and Neptune Falcon. His skills were evident as the unit transitioned from F-16 Falcons to F-22 Raptors, contributing to the 1st and 192nd Fighter Wing Total Force Integration initiative.

Post-retirement, he will continue to work full-time as a Quality Assurance Specialist in the Research Systems Integration Branch at NASA Langley Research Center and serve on the nonprofit board of the Blessed Couples United Outreach in Gloucester, a nonprofit organization that he and his wife, Pam, founded with four other couples to provide health and financial literacy, seminars, scholarships, and school supplies for students on the Middle Peninsula.