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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT RICHARD CALLIHAN OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA AIR NATIONAL GUARD, AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER NEARLY FORTY YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to learn that Senior Master Sergeant Richard Callihan will begin a much-deserved retirement from the South Carolina Air National Guard (SCANG) on November 24, 2011; and
Whereas, the son of a Navy man, he enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War in 1970, beginning his career working on A-7 avionics at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base; and
Whereas, he served four years, including a six-month tour of duty deployed to Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base. After moving to Columbia and a short break in his military service, he learned about the SCANG and became a Swamp Fox in 1978. He was assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing where he continued working on A-7 avionics; and
Whereas, one of the few remaining Vietnam era airmen still in SCANG, Senior Master Sergeant Callihan currently serves as the flight-line superintendent of F-16 avionics; and
Whereas, growing up in a military family he learned early the love of traveling, and through temporary-duty assignments, love for his country has taken him to such places as Thailand, Denmark, Qatar, Norway, Iraq, Okinawa, Alaska, and Iwo Jima; and
Whereas, while on these many assignments, he indulged in his passion for photography, and much of what he has seen behind the lens adorns his office walls; and
Whereas, he participated in his first 10k race while deployed to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm and hopes to continue this hobby, running even more 10k races in his retirement; and
Whereas, an avid Boy Scout while he was growing up and a volunteer who saw his son achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, he plans to become involved again in the Boy Scouts of America upon his retirement; and
Whereas, together with his beloved wife Kayla, he has reared two fine children Shawn and Stacy, who have blessed them with four adoring grandchildren; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the many years of outstanding, dedicated service of Senior Master Sergeant Richard Callihan to the South Carolina Air National Guard and wish him many years of continued success and happiness in his well-earned retirement. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Senior Master Sergeant Richard Callihan of the South Carolina Air National Guard, and congratulate him upon the occasion of his retirement after nearly forty years of military service.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Senior Master Sergeant Richard Callihan.
This web page was last updated on June 22, 2011 at 3:46 PM