Colonel Robert Stiegel Retires After 30 Years of Dedicated Service

  • Published
  • By Melony Angelilli
  • PAO
IKD-Molesworth --  All 30-year Air Force careers are outstanding accomplishments and Col. Robert Stiegel's is no exception. He was commissioned in 1979 from the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Wisconsin and since that time he has served in more than 26 assignments.

"I joined the Air Force because of my appreciation of aviation and military history." said Stiegel, Chief, Intelligence and Knowledge Development-Molesworth (IKD-M), a division of U.S. Africa Command. "My father was in the Air Force in World War II and later in the Air Force Reserves and he encouraged me to go to college and join the Air Force as an officer."

"I knew I would love the Air Force because I loved the people and the culture of the Reserve Officer Training Corps," Stiegel said. "That love kept me motivated throughout my career."

"At one point I thought about retiring sooner, but I was in the Pentagon on Sept.11, 2001 and I knew I had to stay in and do my part for our great nation."

Mr. Terry Ford, Director, Intelligence and Knowledge Development, U.S. Africa Command, presided over the ceremony and had many accolades for Stiegel.

"Bob, when you arrived here at Molesworth, you and I, along with all the men and women here formed a team and you have led that team to great heights in just over a year," said U.S. Army Col. Mike Vance, IKD-M. "It has been my pleasure to work with you and you will be missed by the entire team."

For those new to the Air Force, the colonel's advice to you -- "follow the Air Force core values and you will always succeed."

Stiegel and his wife Mary will remain in the United Kingdom and he has accepted a civilian position on RAF Molesworth.