Joint Base Andrews, Md., –
John R. Botwinick, 89th Communications Squadron mission systems flight chief was awarded the 50 Years of Civil Service pin by Lt. Gen. Darren W. McDew, 18th Air Force commander during a presentation here in his honor Nov. 18, 2013.
"It was an honor [and] it was humbling," Botwinick said. "I was very appreciative, especially with a three-star coming to present it."
Botwinick retired from the United Stated Air Force in October 1985 after 23 years as a wideband maintenance technician and supervisor.
"During my 23 years of service in the Air Force, I got to travel the world," Botwinick said, "I spent 15 of those years overseas."
In November of 1986 Botwinick accepted a position as a logistics management specialist assigned to the then 2045th Communications Group, Joint Base Andrews, Md., where he worked as the assistant chief of maintenance.
In August of 1994 the 2045th Communications Group was reorganized with the establishment of the 89th and 789th Communications Squadrons. Botwinick became the Mission Systems flight chief for the 789th Comm Squadron, where he was responsible for managing a flight that maintains sophisticated communications equipment in support of the President of the United States as well as other high-level government officials.
In 2006, the group was reorganized once again to the 89th Airlift Support Group and the 789th Comm Squadron was renamed the 89th Comm Squadron.
"I met and worked with some of the best people, from the lowest ranking Airman to the most senior ranking, it has been the best period of my life," said Botwinick.
After spending 50 years of his life in civil service Botwinick will retire May 17, 2014.
"It's time for you guys and gals to handle it," he said.
During retirement Botwinick plans to golf, travel and visit family.