The Big Event of Our Trip

We originally planned this trip with the main attraction being the Retirement Ceremony for John's dad. All the rest of our activities have been a grand bonus to the plans!

On November 29th, John Mabes Jr. retired from the U.S. Air Force after 39.999999 years of service. Of this his son, John Mabes III remarked,

"I’m awestruck and speechless with the service my father has
rendered to this nation. Today he retired after 40yrs active duty service in the United States Air Force. That’s pretty significant seeing how the AF has only been a separate active military component for right over 60yrs. Most people cannot commit to a job for 5 years, and he serves through 4 decades & takes part in every major Air Campaign since the Vietnam War. I will always hold myself to the example he set and will consider myself fortunate to have half the career he had."

 I think that about says it all, don't you? The rest I will say in photos.....