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Lieutenant Colonel Olen L. Spencer Retirement

  • Published
  • By SSgt George Thomas
  • 164th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
164th Airlift Wing Memphis, TN --  Lieutenant Colonel Lamar Spencer recently retired from the Tennessee Air National Guard after more than 38 years of service.

"It's amazing how fast 38 years went"' said Spencer during his retirement address.

Col Spencer's most recent assignment was that of wing executive support officer. The wing commander appointed him to this assignment in December 1997 after serving as a squadron commander in the Maintenance Group for nearly three years.

"It's been an honor and privilege to work with you"' Said Colonel Harry D. Montgomery, Wing Commander of the 164th Airlift Wing during his opening remarks.

Colonel Spencer enlisted in the Tennessee Air National Guard as an aircraft instrument systems specialist on 19 September 1972. On 4 March 1974, he joined the full-time workforce as a military technician and for the next 11 years served in various aircraft maintenance positions where he attained the rank of Master Sergeant. In 1984 he was selected for commissioning and was appointed a Second Lieutenant in September 1985 upon completion of the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science.

Colonel Spencer served in various staff and leadership assignments within the organization including aircraft maintenance staff officer, mission support officer, aircraft maintenance officer and commander, 164th Aircraft Generation Squadron. He completed numerous professional military education programs including the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy, Squadron Officers School and Air Command and Staff College.

"I've been lucky to have a guy with that kind of experience to give me advice", said Col Montgomery.

Colonel Spencer is a native Memphian and a graduate of the University of Memphis. He is married to the former Lisa Anne Bernardini also of Memphis. They are the proud parents of two adult children: Jason and Leigh Anne.

"You can't do it without that support", said Col Spencer while thanking his family and friends during his speech.