SMSgt. Nancy Lee Peck Retirement Ceremony

Whoa, sorry for the prolonged absence. Things have been real busy lately, but I'm finally getting around to posting images from Nancy's retirement ceremony. Nancy had worked with me on a few other retirement ceremonies, so it was an honor to finally cover her special day.

SMSgt. Nancy Peck stands at attention as the ceremony begins.

Nancy's family gets a kick out of hearing some highlights from her 26 years of service.

This picture just cracks me up. All eyes are on the ceremony, except for this kid who found the ceiling more interesting.

Nancy wipes a tear during the bittersweet ceremony.

Nancy addresses her colleagues, friends and family that have come out to help celebrate the occasion. The US flag always makes a nice backdrop in these situations.

Nancy and her husband share a moment as the ceremony comes to an end.

Nancy's immediate family poses for a group shot after the ceremony.

The kids really enjoyed hamming it up for the camera!

Nancy's parents jump in for a shot with the guest of honor.

Nancy and Jeff out by the beach. Nancy was interested in incorporating the outdoors into her ceremony, but it made more sense to hold the event indoors. I made sure to snap a few shots with the great beach/water and palm trees in the background.

Congratulations on your retirement Nancy! For 26 years you have traveled the world serving your country and managed to find your way back to Florida. Thanks for letting me be a part of your ceremony. It was an honor and a pleasure.

SMSgt. Angela Hull Retirement

Recently I was asked to cover the retirement ceremony for Senior Master Sergeant Angela K. Hull. Angela put in more than 20 years with the US Air Force and has had an amazing career full of noteworthy achievements. There are way too many for me to possibly list here. She leaves the Air Force as the Tower Chief Controller, charged with leading 30 air traffic controllers and handling over 35,000 aircraft operations each year.

The flags are presented to begin the ceremony. A flag on a commander's flight suit is seen in the foreground.

Lt. Col. Pratt presents Angela with the Meritorious Service Medal.

Angela is presented with one of several letters congratulating her on her accomplishments and thanking her for her service.

Angela's husband takes a moment after attaching her retirement pin to her uniform.

Angela enjoys a surprise slideshow created for her by her husband. The slideshow included pictures from her career, their family, and ended with personal recorded messages from Angela's favorite morning DJ, Corey Dylan from 101.5, and from Tampa's Mayor, Pam Irorio.

SMSgt. Hull is presented with the flag that was just folded in her honor.

MSgt. Boldin presents Angela with a shadow box containing various mementos symbolizing her career with the US Air Force.

Angela addresses those in attendance.

Angela reminisces over funny moments shared by her family throughout her time in service.

The programs from the ceremony are always a nice detail to capture. The American flag made the perfect backdrop.

Angela's family came from all over to share this special day with her.

And one last picture of the family. I've said it before, but it's worth repeating. Military families sacrifice more than most of us will ever know. They are important part of these retirement ceremonies, and rightfully so. New schools, new cities and lengthy deployments can all take their toll. But the service provided by the men and women of our armed forces is invaluable and would not be possible without the support of the family members.

Congratulations Senior Master Sergeant Angela Hull (retired)! I was really amazed listening to all your accomplishments and would like to personally thank you for your hard work and dutiful service to our country. Enjoy civilian life!