Approximately 150 airmen, family members and distinguished guests celebrated the retirement of Chief Master Sgt. Cheryl L. Wente, medical group superintendent, 452nd Medical Group, March Air Reserve Base, at the Cultural Resource Center here March 22.
Maj. Gen. Wallace W. Farris Jr., U.S. Air Force retired, presided over the official ceremony and briefly highlighted Wente’s distinguished career.
Wente entered active-duty in 1975 and deployed around the world in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM and the war on terrorism. In Sept. 2009, Wente was assigned to the 452 MG as the senior enlisted advisor for a staff of more than 300 airmen, managed career development and also served as president for the 452nd Air Mobility Wing Chief’s group.
The full attendance in the CRC was evidence of the significant impact Wente made throughout her career.
“Cheryl is the perfect example of what a chief represents,” said Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Willers, 452nd Maintenance Group superintendent, March ARB.
During her time at March ARB, Wente managed more than $15 million in annual budgets, ensured compliance standards were met, organized training plans to support the Nuclear Operational Readiness Inspection and assisted with the realignment of three medical group squadrons, said Farris.
“You were the reason I got these stars,” said Farris when referring to his rank. “The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Chief Wente culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of her country and reflect great credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.”
“We may have a new [superintendent] but no one will ever truly replace Chief Master Sgt. Cheryl Wente,” said Col. Karl Edelmann, 452 MG commander.
“Chief Wente is the epitome of an American Airman,” added Col. Russell Muncy, commander, 452 AMW.
After receiving numerous awards from peers and base leadership, Wente imparted words of thanks to all in attendance.
“I hope that I have assisted members of the military to achieve their potential and to find the best in themselves,” said Wente. “As I leave this fine organization, I am taking many of you with me. You will live [on] in my mind forever. I will always remember the times and successes we have achieved together.”
