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ICBM's command chief retires after 30-year career

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Christen Ornella
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  After serving in the Air Force for almost half of its existence, Chief Master Sgt. David Nordel, 20th Air Force and Task Force 214 command chief, is turning in his uniform.

Brig. Gen. Robert Thomas, Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development commander, spoke of Nordel's steadfast integrity, his dedication to service before self and his commitment to excellence at his retirement ceremony Aug. 8 in F.E. Warren Air Force Base's Fall Hall Community Center.

Dave was the guy who took on positions that needed those talented leaders, Thomas said. Although his degree and career specialty is in nursing, his leadership and ability to tell you how it really is helped set the conditions for success in any position he held.

"He puts his hand up because he's not interested in doing the minimum," Thomas said. "Chief Nordel embodies those attributes that I am trying to instill in my guys in [Reserve Officers' Training Corps] and [Officer Training School]."

With a smile on his face, Nordel took the stage to share his appreciation for his time in the Air Force.

"I've asked myself: How do you wrap up 30 years?" Nordel answered, "I'm just getting started."

Over his career, Nordel worked with some special people, he said.

"This has been an absolute honor not just the last 30 years but the last three years," Nordel said.

When Nordel thinks about his Air Force career, he fondly remembers the contributions he made to the people and organizations he touched.

"It's the ability to look back on those you've groomed and raised and how the organizations are better when you left them," Nordel said.

Nordel said he is simply part of the Air Force's history now.

"It's just a transition. The Air Force keeps going," Nordel said, "and I'll always be an advocate for the nuclear community and the Air Force as a whole."

Upon retiring, Nordel and his family will be moving to Great Falls, Mont., where he plans to manage several restaurants.