128 ARW first female chief retires

  • Published
  • By Airman Morgan Lipinski
  • 128th Air Refueling Wing
MILWAUKEE --   A retirement ceremony was held in honor of Chief Master Sgt. Patti Winter-Schmidt here at the 128th Air Refueling Wing Dec. 7, 2014.

Winter-Schmidt served in the United States military for 38 years with the majority of those years served here at the 128 ARW. During those years, Winter-Schmidt worked in several areas of the Maintenance Group including the Aircraft Maintenance section and the Aero Space Ground Equipment section.

Since 2010, Winter-Schmidt has held the position of the 128th Maintenance Group's Component Maintenance Flight Superintendent where she was responsible for sustaining the availability of personnel and aircraft to conduct conventional and emergency war order tasks.

During her time in service, Winter-Schmidt received several awards and achievements including the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal and the Richard I. Bong Award. She was also the first female to be promoted to Chief Master Sgt. here at the128 ARW and was recognized as the American Legion Auxiliary's Woman Veteran of the Year in 2005. Winter-Schmidt now plans to share her time with different veteran-aid volunteer organizations.

  "I wish the best for all the Airmen here and I hope to see everyone again in the civilian world," said Winter-Schmidt.