The retirement ceremony included the presentation of a meritorious service medal and the reading of the retirement order. In addition, Master Sgt. Schmeltzer also received a letter from President Obama and certificates of appreciation from various Air Force personnel.

Attending the event were his wife Tracy and their children Ty and Sydney. There were also many friends who attended to show their support for Scott. In addition he was pleased to have his parents and in-laws Al and Gail Pardike, and Nikki and Jacob Booth among those present.

Scott is a 1990 graduate of Onaway Area Community Schools. He left for basic military training at Lackland AFB, Texas on Dec. 12, 1990. Upon completion, he attended the jet mechanic engine mechanic course at Chanute AFB, Illinois.

From 1991 to ‘92, he was a jet engine apprentice at George AFB, California, where he worked on the F-4 Wild Weasel. From 1992 to ‘94, he was assigned to Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, where he was a jet engine journeyman in the modular repair section working on the F-15E Strike Eagle. From 1994 to ’97 he served as a military training instructor at Lackland AFB, Texas.

In 1997, MSgt. Schmeltzer returned to Seymour Johnson AFB, where he worked in the jet engine intermediate maintenance section as a crew chief, floor walker, assistant NOIC and then NCIOC. He worked at test cell, the 336th fighter squadron, quality assurance and secondary power.

Lastly, Scott made his final move to the 4th MOS engine management element where he decided to finish his long, distinguished and enjoyable 21 years in the United States Air Force. During his career, MSgt. Schmeltzer completed the airman leadership school (1985), the NCO Academy (2005), and the Senior NCO Academy (2008). In 2009, he received his Associates’ Degree in aircraft maintenance technology from the Community College of the Air Force.