Chief Fong Retires after 31 years

The New York Air National Guard's 174th Attack Wing said goodbye December 5, 2021 to Chief Master Sergeant Bruce Fong during a retirement ceremony held at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base.

Fong completed more than 31 years of military service.

Fong went to Air Force basic training in July of 1980 and after completing basic training, went on to Sheppard Air Force Base to attend Air Cargo Specialist school.

His very first duty assignment was at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan. There he would be assigned to the 603rd Military Airlift Support Squadron. He worked in the ramp services section where he was responsible for the on/off-loading of cargo on military and civilian aircraft such as the Boeing 747, Lockheed Martin C-5 Galaxy, C-141A/B Starlifter, C-130 Hercules, and the McDonnell Douglas C-9 Nightingale, and KC-10 Extender.

Two and a half years later he would join the 436th Aerial Port Squadron at Dover Air Force Base. He worked in the special handling section and was responsible for the timely and accurate inventory of critical cargo using the Aerial Port Documentation and Management System III.

After a 10-year break in service, Chief Fong joined the New York Air National Guard in February of 1996 as a Drill Status Guardsmen with the 174th Attack Wing (then the 174th Fighter Wing). He was assigned to the 174th Logistics Readiness Squadron as a Traffic Management Specialist.

In October 1998, Chief Fong joined the 174th Communications Flight as a full-time military technician. There he held positions such as network administrator, infrastructure technician, network control center supervisor, operations superintendent and ultimately the Chief Enlisted Manager.

One of Chief Fong's proudest moments has been serving as a Ceremonial Guardsmen with 174th Attack Wing, Base Honor Guard. During that time he participated in over 700 various details supporting both the base and community.

The people are what he will miss the most, Fong said.

"I love the Honor Guard. That was a big part of my life. I'm going to miss the work as well. I'm going to miss it all. The 174th is a great place to work," he said.

With over 31 years of military service, Fong doesn't plan on relaxing just yet. He plans on working a little bit more.

"I'd like to work for a few more years and then fully retire," Fong said. "I know my next venture will most likely be in the IT department."

Fong also left a message for the Airmen and future Airmen of Hancock Field.

"Aim high. Don't set you sights low," he said. "If there is something that you really want to do, and you have a passion for it, do it, just go for it."

To view these members click here: https://dmna-ny.meritpages.com/achievements/Chief-Fong-Retires-after-31-years/142775