Team Newkirk says goodbye to CAFB Published March 21, 2007 By Senior Airman Dani Pacheco 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. -- The Air Force has meant a lot to George and Deborah Newkirk. It has been a part of their lives for over thirty years, and the time is nearing for both to say goodbye. Senior Master Sergeant George Newkirk Sr., 315th Civil Engineering Squadron, and his wife Master Sergeant Deborah Newkirk, 315th Mission Support Squadron, are scheduled to retire from the United States Air Force Reserve in April, in a joint ceremony at the base club. When her husband first mentioned retirement, she immediately thought of them going through this major step together as a team, said Master Sgt. Deborah Newkirk. "We spent so many happy years here as a couple, it only makes sense to leave here together," she said. Looking back, both of the Newkirk's call on memories of their lives here at Charleston Air Force Base with fondness and display a desire to continue serving alongside their fellow servicemembers. "I have had an awesome time. I've enjoyed every minute of it, and I would do it again in a heartbeat," said Senior Master Sgt. George Newkirk. "I'm going to miss the camaraderie that I have enjoyed here that I don't think I would have been able to find in the civilian world." "I loved it as well. For me, this part of my life has been not only educational but socially fulfilling. I look at the people that I have met and worked with here as being additions to our family and I hope to stay in touch," said Master Sgt. Deborah Newkirk. The Newkirk's attribute much of their success in life to the Air Force for providing them with educational opportunities, meaningful work, and it's biggest impact of all, making their family unit stronger. "I believe the Air Force has made our relationship stronger because it helped me to understand to never take anything for granted," said Master Sgt. Deborah Newkirk. Senior Master Sgt. George Newkirk. also sees both he and his wife being military members as a fortunate occurrence. "Because she is also in the Air Force, there was greater understanding during deployments, which was a great help," he said. The Newkirk's two sons expressed pride in their parents for their military service and for the discipline and drive they instilled in each of them. "Serving in the military for over thirty years is a big time achievement," said Ramon Newkirk, the Newkirk's youngest son. "I can see the values that were instilled in my parents throughout their Air Force career ingrained in both me and my brother because of the way we were raised." George Newkirk Jr. agrees with his younger sibling to the highest degree but knows it is time for his parents to move on. "They have loved the Air Force and they've been happy the whole way through but I can tell they are looking forward to starting a new chapter in their lives," he said. In that new chapter, George and Deborah Newkirk plan to spend time with their children and grandchildren and possibly hit the open road on their motorcycles, matching Suzuki Boulevard cruisers. "We are very outdoors people. We plan on doing a lot of camping and hopefully ride across the country on our motorcycles together," said Master Sgt. Deborah Newkirk. One thing is certain, whatever the Newkirks decide to do after their retirement, they will be doing it together as a team.