Italian honored for 36 years of service

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Battles
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  In 1977, Jimmy Carter was elected president, NASA launched Voyager I and II and the Trans Alaskan Oil Pipeline opened. But for one Italian national, 1977 marked the beginning of a U.S. Air Force career that spans almost four decades.

On Nov. 27, Sandra Buna, 31st Maintenance Group commander secretary, is scheduled to retire after 36 years of service to the Air Force.

A retirement ceremony was held Nov. 8 for Buna, with more than 50 members of Team Aviano in attendance. During the ceremony, Buna laughed saying, "Now that I won't be speaking English every day, maybe I can finally learn proper Italian."

In honor of her achievement, former 31st MXG commander Col. (ret) Dennis Shumaker presented Buna with a Meritorious Civilian Service Award and certificate of appreciation for her service. Col. Brian Beers, the current 31st MXG commander, also presented Buna with a U.S. flag for her contributions.

As part of his opening remarks, Shumaker discussed the impact Buna has had on Aviano and the community and everyone she comes into contact with.

"She quickly became part of the family," he said. "We always enjoy our time with Buna, just like some many people in this room. She might not be over at the maintenance group, but she's always going to be here."

Shumaker is the 15th group commander that Buna worked for while at Aviano. Overall, Buna has worked for 17 commanders.

As a secretary with MXG, Buna was responsible for maintaining the schedule for the group commander, handling administrative tasks and serving as an interpreter.

"Basically whatever maintenance leadership needed, I was there to make it happen," she said.

Referred to as "Sandy" by people who know her, Buna began her career as a temporary employee in the contracting squadron in 1977. After 14 months, the now San Quirino native found a permanent home within the 31st MXG.

"When I first started I knew nothing about the military or what they did on base," Buna said. "I happened to start during an exercise, so I had no idea why everyone was running around, hiding under desks and saying 'go to the shelter.'"

Throughout her career, she would witness hundreds of changes on base.

"In the beginning we used typewriters, which was standard," Buna said. "I remember when computers started to hit the squadrons and we had no idea what to do with them."

The technology wasn't the only aspect that would change, but the service members each year. Buna has worked with thousands of service members and civilians throughout the years.

"Every time a new person shows up I know it's only for a couple years," Buna said. "There is too many to count, but fortunately some still stay in contact and even visit."

Now that it's Buna's turn to leave, she still plans on staying connected to the base.

The weekends, she can be seen with the Aviano Roadrunners group, an organized running club that brings Italians and Americans together. Buna is the secretary of the organization.

"Once I retire I won't able to come into the base," Buna said. "Being part of the group is like still being part of Aviano."

Born and raised in Trifalga, Australia, until the age of 14, Buna, moved to Italy in 1969. With only eight years working off base, Buna has worked at Aviano Air Base almost as long as she has lived in Italy.

With less than two weeks until her departure from Aviano, Buna leaves with fond memories and love for the U.S. Air Force.

"I can honestly say that I have loved my 36 years at Aviano," Buna said. "If they asked me to do it all over again, I would."