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New York State Air Surgeon Retires

  • Published
  • By Capt. Anthony L. Bucci
  • 174FW/PAO
Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Syracuse, NY --  On Sunday the 4th of March a retirement ceremony was held at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base for the State Air Surgeon for Joint Force Headquarters New York Air National Guard, Col. Reid T. Muller.

Col. Kevin Bradley 174th Fighter Wing Commander served as the official for the retirement ceremony with Col. (Ret.) Muller's family, friends, colleagues both from the military and his civilian career in attendance as they witnessed the retirement of a tireless and dedicated officer and doctor.

"We are here today to recognize a true leader, a great medical professional, an outstanding officer, but more importantly a loving son, husband and a father. I am truly honored to have been asked by Col. Muller to serve as the official for his retirement ceremony", said Bradley.

Col. (Ret.) Muller served as the State Air Surgeon where he oversaw five medical groups, comprising of hundreds of medical personnel servicing the largest state Air National Guard organization in the nation. Col. (Ret.) Muller was also a senior flight surgeon with more then 16 years operational flying experience, and has accumulated time in the F-16, , F-15, C-5A, C-130H, LC-130, C-26, and the C-9,including 17 combat sorties during Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Col. (Ret.) Muller was presented the Meritorious Service Medal for his dedicated service while serving as the State Air Surgeon for New York during the past five years, as well as earning the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal.

Following this awards presentation the 174th FW Honor Guard performed a flag folding ceremony, while the narrator told the assembled crowd the history and significance of the flag. The flag was then presented to Col. (Ret.) Muller, which was place in a prepositioned flag box. This was followed by the order of retirement as well as a congratulatory letter for his 25 years of service from the President of the United States.

It was now time for Col. (Ret.) Muller's wife, Dr. Shelley Gilroy to be recognized for her sacrifices and support to her husband's military career. Dr. Gilroy was asked up on stage and joined Col. Bradley and her husband as she was presented a certificate of appreciation signed by the Chief of Staff of the U. S. Air Force.

Next up was the Joint Force Headquarters, and Col. (Ret.) Muller's home for the past five year, to make a presentation and Brig. Gen. Anthony German, Chief of Staff of the New York Air National Guard, presented a shadow and flag box on behalf of JFHQ, with Maj. Gen. Patrick Murphy, Adjutant General of New York and other distinguished guests looking on.

Lastly, it was time for the newly retired Col. Muller to take the podium and say a few words to the crowd of military and civilian guests who had gathered to witness his retirement ceremony.

"I am most proud of two accomplishments in my life; leading the men and women of the 174th Medical Group, as well as serving as the Air Surgeon for the State of New York" said Col. (Ret.) Muller.

With that the ceremony concluded and the audience lined up to extend their "Congratulations" and "Best Wishes" to Col. (Ret.) Muller, Dr. Gilroy ,and their children for their service to the their country. On behalf of the men and women of Hancock Field, enjoy your retirement Dr. Muller and "Good Luck" on the golf course!