Veteran Story: Richard Stirzaker

“Two months before 9/11, I enlisted with the Air National Guard’s 179th Airlift Wing as an aircraft mechanic, providing mission ready C-130 cargo aircraft to meet operational requirements. I later transitioned to the Air Force Reserves 76th Aerial Port Squadron where I enjoyed operating large vehicles that moved cargo and passengers all around the world. In 2011, I deployed to Balad, Iraq where I loaded heavy equipment onto aircraft. In 2018, I deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait where I led the night shift for one of the busiest cargo yards in the Middle East.

My final deployment in 2021, I was sent to New Jersey in support of a humanitarian mission, Operation Allies Welcome, first as a shift manager for the bus and truck yard. Then as a warehouse supervisor, where I managed incoming and outgoing donations for Afghan evacuees. On 30 December 2022, I finally retired as a Master Sgt. after 21 years.

I now continue to proudly serve as a Law Enforcement Dispatcher for the National Capital Regional Office and use my specialty in land mobile radio to support emergencies and special events as a member of the NPS Eastern Incident Management Team. “