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Brig. Gen. Scott Dennis retires

  • Published
  • By By Airman 1st Class Jensen Stidham
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Family, friends and fellow Airmen came together to celebrate the career and retirement of Brigadier General Scott Dennis, U.S. Air Forces Central Command assistant deputy commander, here, Jan. 17.

The retirement ceremony was held in a maintenance hangar where an F-16 Fighting Falcon, Dennis' favorite aircraft, was on display.

Dennis first found himself near an F-16 while working as a civilian engineer before he began his Air Force career. A friend later said, "why don't you join the Air Force and try to fly one of these things."

And that's exactly what Dennis did.

In 1985 he was selected to attend Officer Training School and soon after completed undergraduate pilot training at Reese Air Force Base, Texas.

"You had to do really well back then to get in the F-16 because it was a brand-new airplane," said retired Lt. Gen. William Rew, the retirement ceremony officiating officer. "Scott did that well and was given that assignment, flying the F-16."

After his first assignment as an F-16 pilot at Moody AFB, Ga., he was selected to be an instructor pilot for the F-16 at Luke AFB, Ariz.

Not only did Dennis excel at flying, with more than 3,900 hours in the Fighting Falcon, he also excelled in education receiving a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and two masters' degrees.

"I'm a big fan of education," said Dennis. "I don't think it ever stops. I am a firm believer that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding is key."

Throughout his career, Dennis educated and commanded thousands of Airmen across the globe.

"The best part about the Air Force is serving with the Airmen," said Dennis. "You get to lead them, you get to follow them, you get to help them and they help you. So to all of the Airmen, thanks for the service and friendship."

Over the course of his 28-year career, Dennis held several important positions, forcing him to make many decisions.

"Throughout the biggest decisions in my life I've followed my gut," said Dennis. "This is a gut decision, I'm going to miss the Air Force; but, we're really excited about what's coming next."

"I wouldn't change anything about my career," said Dennis. "I've had a blast."

Dennis' retirement is effective April 01, 2014.