Gunfighter recognized for half-century of service

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chester Mientkiewicz
  • 366 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Richard Bahr, 366th Operations Support Squadron electronics technician, has over 50 years of federal service in the United States government.

As a result of his 50 years of service, Bahr was presented with a Certificate of Service as part of the Veteran Affair’s employee recognition and awards program by Col. Joe Kunkel, 366th Fighter Wing commander.

Over the last five decades, Bahr has served in various locations around the world including Texas, Mississippi, Montana, Greenland, Alaska and Portugal.

Bahr is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and enjoys square dancing and roller-skating.

“Lajes Field (Portugal) was my favorite location that I’ve served in,” Bahr said “It’s a beautiful island with good weather.”

Bahr served on active duty Air Force for seven years and 11 months as a power production specialist. After separating, Bahr worked at a car dealership in Boise until he was hired in 1975 to work at the Mountain Home Air Force Base Central Heat Plant which no longer exists.

Since then Bahr has bounced around various squadrons before ending up with the 366th OSS as an electronics technician.

Bahr is proud to be a Gunfighter.

“One of my most memorable Gunfighter moments was when we got our new [Digital Airport Surveillance] radar.” Bahr said. “Seeing the new radar system going in was an exciting time.”

Bahr hopes others will make a career out of the military or government service. He suggests to learn your job and always do your best.

“You have to have a lot of patience,” Bahr said. “You have to know and be devoted to your job and always make sure it is done right the first time.”

Bahr doesn’t plan on leaving any time soon.

“I have no plans on retiring. I will probably do this until I keel over,” Bahr said.

“I want to see if there’s a 60 year service pin!”