Mighty Eighth bids Chief Boling farewell

Chief Master Sgt. Alan G. Boling, former 8th Air Force command chief and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center (J-GSOC) senior enlisted leader, retired from active duty December 18, 2018.
Chief Boling, the son of Dick and Jane Boling of Aurora and a 1989 graduate of Concordia High School, had served as command chief for the Mighty Eighth since July, 2016.
“The Mighty Eighth and J-GSOC have greatly benefited from Chief Boling's knowledge and experience,” Maj. Gen. James Dawkins Jr., 8th Air Force and J-GSOC commander, said, “He has been a valued asset to our organization, and while we are sad to see him go, we wish him and his family the best as they begin a new chapter in their lives.”
Boling, who served in the Air Force for 30 years, said that he always planned to serve as long as he could. This was driven by his love for this country and love for the military.
“Believing in and loving what you do makes work easy and life fulfilling. On the tough days we have the greatest people in the world around us to get us through it,” Boling said.
Boling shared what helped him be successful throughout his extensive career.
“Fight hard to succeed in everything that you do, never give up. Think of your country, the Air Force, your fellow airmen first and yourself last. You will go further than you ever thought possible, and in the end, have a career you are proud of,” Boling said.
Commenting on what it was like to serve the historic Mighty Eight, Boling said “It was an incredible opportunity to serve in a unit that was key to starting the Air Force and contributed so much to our nation's defense. The history and people of the Mighty Eighth inspired me every day I was the command chief.”
Boling offered his appreciation to all of the Airmen at the 8th Air Force.
“It has been an honor to serve with the Airmen of the Mighty Eighth. May the Lord guard and guide each of you. Best wishes to all of you,” Boling said.
Following the retirement ceremony at the Strategic Air Command Museum in Ashland, Neb., a dinner was served at the home of Alan, Michaela and Toni in Gretna, Neb.
Specials guests for the dinner included Boling's sons, Garritt and Devin from Anchorage, Al.
Others attending included Dick and Jane Boling, Kay and Don Cummins, Nedra and Loyd James, Kole Blazek and friend Ashley and Larry and Glenn Sulanka of Aurora; Cher and Rick Knudsen, Dawn and Steve Snyder, Bre Blazek, Norlene Letourneau, Joan Fraser and Diane Price, Concordia; Mariah Blazek, Hays; Brandon Cummins, Pratt; Lt. Col. Shannon, Sarah and Gavin, McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita; Charles and Denise Cyr, Clyde; Steve and Vicki Christian, Windsor, Colo.; Alan's grandmother, Jeanne Boling, Dedra and Ross Platt and Jeremy Boling, Valley Falls ;family and friends from Nebraska. Many attended from Air Force bases that Alan had served during his 30-year career.

Chief Master Sg. Alan Boling, former 8th Air Force command chief and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center senior enlisted leader, speaks during his retirement ceremony at the Strategic Air Command Museum in Ashland, Neb.