Veteran Fire Chief hangs up helmet

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Megan M. Tracy
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AFB, La --  In 1960, Dwight D. Eisenhower was President of the United States, the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the New York Yankees in the 57th World Series, Elvis Presley was discharged from the U.S. Army, the first non-stick cookware went on sale at Macy's and Robert Vires enlisted into the Air Force.

Mr. Vires' career started in fire protection but, as he moved up through the ranks, he was also an instructor at the Department of Defense Louis F. Garland Fire Training Academy at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, and served as the functional career field manager for Tactical Air Command previously headquartered at Langley Air Force Base, Va. He has spent the remainder of his career as the fire chief here at Barksdale.

Through his 24-plus years in the Air Force, Mr. Vires said he has received countless pieces of advice, but one sticks out in his mind.

"An old non-commissioned officer gave me some very important advice many, many years ago," he said. "He told me to always support my commander or get out. I've always tried to do that and I still think its good advice."

Mr. Vires said aside from his awards and assignments his greatest accomplishment was the rank he earned.

"I have earned numerous medals throughout my career," he said. "But my most significant accomplishment is achieving the rank of chief master sergeant."

After he retired from the Air Force he went on to become a Department of Defense civilian employee where he served for just shy of 25 additional years.

"I stayed with government service because I enjoyed it," he said. "I enjoyed my job in fire protection and I was fortunate enough to have some great mentors along the way."

Despite the often unpredictable life that comes with a career in the military, Mr. Vires says his wife has stuck by him through thick and thin.

"My wife has been the most influential person throughout my career," he said. "My wife and I have been married for 45 years and she has been through all the ups and downs with me throughout my tenure of service."

Mr. Vires will retire this month with more than 49 total years of government service. As the years flew by, through various presidents, chart-topping singers and rising gas prices, one thing in his life has remained the same--change.

"Do not get into a routine way of doing business," he said. "Changes are always just right around the corner."

As Mr. Vires hangs up his hat and heads to a life of retirement, he shares some of his wisdom with the Airmen of today.

"Always give your maximum effort to support mission accomplishment," he said.

Mr. Vires will be recognized at his official retirement ceremony that takes place Friday, at 1pm at Fire Station 1, building 6426.