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AFIOC vice commander thanks Airmen, bids farewell

  • Published
  • By Capt. Ashley Conner
  • Air Force Information Operations Center Public Affairs
After 33 years of active duty service the Air Force Information Operations Center vice commander retired in a ceremony here June 13.

Retired Col. Robert Steele presided over the ceremony that officially retired Col. David Ripley, culminating his Air Force career that spanned three decades, both the officer and enlisted ranks, and over 15 assignments.

Colonel Ripley thanked his wife Nita for her support and encouragement. She is "my chief wingman, the glue that holds the family together, and the wind beneath my wings."

Colonel Ripley also thanked his three sons and noted, "if a man's contribution to life is judged by those he leaves behind, and I have been blessed." 

As the son of a World War II Navy veteran, Colonel Ripley watched three of his older siblings join the military, which compelled him to do the same.

"I grew up respecting those who served," said the colonel. "Additionally, I wanted to achieve a college education. The military offered an opportunity to get some credits and qualify for the GI Bill."

In the summer of 1975, Colonel Ripley joined the Air Force as an integrated avionics component specialist, because it gave him the most Community College of the Air Force credits, and arrived at his first duty station at Pease AFB, NH.

Colonel Ripley began to understand what he had become a part of after being selected for promotion to senior airman below-the-zone the first time it had been offered by the Air Force.

"I was transformed," he said. "I had never been outside my home state of Montana before the summer of 1975 and never ever could have imagined the sense of pride I got from being in the Air Force and serving my country, much less the seemingly unlimited opportunities that were presented to me."

The opportunities Colonel Ripley encountered did not come without its challenges.
With the dream of becoming an officer, Colonel Ripley was committed to completing a bachelor's degree in 20 months and worked a second job to supplement his Air Force paycheck of $364.10 to support his wife and children.

Despite the naysayers, Colonel Ripley completed his degree, Officer Training School and entered the Air Force as a communications officer in 1981.

Colonel Ripley went on to accomplish much in his career including serving in unit and staff level assignments with the Strategic Air Command, Air Force Communications Command, Air Force Logistics Command, Air Force Intelligence Command, Air Intelligence Agency, U.S. Strategic Command, Air Combat Command and the Air Force Communications Agency.

"The story of my career is of people, wingmanship, mentorship, and support that embodies what our Air Force is all about," said Colonel Ripley. "Our Air Force is filled with the very best and the brightest. The sky is the limit for anyone in our service who truly wants to apply themselves and who puts back as much or more than they get. I hope as I retire that I've done that because I owe so much to so many."

Col. Gary Klabunde will assume the responsibilities of vice commander June 30 after leaving his position as the commander of the Air Force Frequency Management Agency at the Pentagon.