GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Goodfellow hosted a retirement ceremony for Col. Andres Nazario, former 17th Training Wing commander, at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, on April 2.
Nazario concluded his 35 years of military service as United States Air Attache to Mexico. However, he celebrated his retirement at Goodfellow, where he was the wing commander from 2019 to 2021.
Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th TRW commander, and Col. James Finlayson, Air Force Technical Applications Center commander, and former 17th TRW deputy commander, officiated the retirement ceremony and presented Nazario with various awards and gifts commemorating his time and service in the military.
“Colonel Nazario cared for the Airmen around him,” said Maguinness. “He constantly worked relationships and advocated for those whom he took on as his proteges.”
Nazario began his military career in the U.S. Army, serving on active duty and in the National Guard until 1995, when he commissioned as an Air Force officer.
During his time as 17th TRW commander, Nazario created The Goodfellow Way, a new strategic approach fueled by vision, leadership, and energy to improve the Goodfellow community's quality of life.
Also, under Nazario's command, the 17th TRW procured 1,600 temporary living quarters through partnerships with local, state and national resources to enable training for students to proceed on schedule despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, Nazario ultimately guided the base safely through the unprecedented difficulties of COVID-19.
“As I retire, my legacy is moving into selfless service and sacrifice. It is my greatest hope that this legacy will inspire future generations to answer the call with honor and courage, oriented on your unyielding commitment to excellence,” said Nazario. “I am deeply proud to have played a small role in safeguarding our nation and standing shoulder to shoulder with the finest men and women I have ever known.”