Final Salute: IG inspector, Barry Kistler retires after 40 years of federal service Published Nov. 21, 2017 By Airman 1st Class Breanna Carter 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The 90th Missile Wing will say farewell to Barry Kistler, 90th Missile Wing Inspector General, on November 24, 2017. Kistler served 30 years active duty Air Force and 10 years as a civilian. Many of his 40 years were dedicated to F.E. Warren Air Force Base in a variety of positions. He served as the 90th Missile Wing vice wing commander and the 20th Air Force vice commander where he retired from active duty. A number of people on base had good things to say about Kistler, both personally and professionally. “I jokingly refer to Mr. Kistler as my graybeard sensei,” said Col. Matthew Dillow, 90th MW vice commander. “He is passionate about this wing, the Air Force, the CFD Military Committee and the people he works with. He has devoted himself to improving mission effectiveness in his role as our Inspector General and our mission success can be partially attributed to his relentless pursuit of excellence. If I had to use a single word to describe him, it would be selfless.” Leadership isn’t always about being the boss, it’s about listening to and understanding the people around you. “Throughout my time in the military and my time as a DoD civilian I have been in many leadership roles, said Kistler. “In that time I’ve learned that you can’t do it alone, in a leadership position you have to learn from everyone around you especially your subordinates.” He will also be missed greatly by those from his office, for instance, Jeff Haakinson, 90th IG director of inspections, who worked with Kistler for about 10 years. “He’s very detail-oriented and easy to get along with,” said Haakinson. “As a boss he cares about his people and trying to make the overall job experience positive for everyone.” When the Air Force was letting many civilians go, Kistler helped many civilians get through that rough patch. “When civilians were being let go, we were both at risk for getting rifted and he was very supportive during that time,” said Sandra Hanway, 90th IG Director of Complaints. “It speaks to the kind of person he is that he would play that supportive role even though he was going through the same thing.” Kistler has impacted the base as a leader and mentor. His nuggets of wisdom will leave a lasting impression on those he has worked with. “I have leaned on him for his experience and sage advice countless times over the last two years, said Dillow. “His perspective, whether on CFD or military matters, is informed by years of experience in senior leadership positions. He has been an invaluable mentor and sounding board to me. And unless he changes his phone number after retirement, he will continue to be on speed dial.” Mr. Kistler will be missed by many, in retirement he plans to move to Arizona to relax and enjoy time with his family. “I’m retired now I don’t plan to work other than volunteering,” said Kistler. “Over the years my family and I have had to make many sacrifices, it’s time I start giving the time back to them, they’ve sacrificed enough.”