547 IS says farewell to civilian after 21 years Published July 22, 2011 By Larry Shoger 547th Intelligence Squadron NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Nellis Air Force Base will say farewell to one of its most-dedicated employees July 29 when Bernie Zager, 547th Intelligence Squadron Resources Management Flight commander, retires after 43 years of service to the United States and 21 years of civilian service at Nellis. A civilian employee at Nellis AFB since retiring from active-duty in 1989, Zager has worked for 13 commanders and been a tremendous asset in improving the capability of the combat air force. He began his civilian career as a senior civilian intelligence analyst with the 4513th Adversary Threat Training Group and served as an electronic combat analyst at Red Flag. In 1994, he assisted with the squadron's re-designation as the 547th Adversary Threat Squadron and a year later, as the 547th Intelligence Squadron. In 1994, Zager was instrumental in declassifying the base's Threat Training Facility and has served as its manager since, allowing for over 30,000 visitors and more than 600 events in the facility annually. He has also regularly served as a guest instructor for the Tactical Operations Intelligence Course, providing specialized training to unit level intelligence analysts. Zager's efforts as the 547 IS resource advisor, Government Purchase Card program manager, plans and programs officer, and intelligence reserve unit coordinator have been highlighted by years of consecutive zero inspection write-ups and many of his programs have served as benchmarks for Nellis AFB organizations to emulate. Zager's achievements include numerous squadron, group and wing quarterly awards and recognition as Air Combat Command's Senior Intelligence Civilian of the Year for 1993. He has received coins from three secretaries of the Air Force, three Air Force chiefs of staff, the chief master sergeant of the Air Force, and numerous military commanders, and foreign country dignitaries. "The 547th Intelligence Squadron would not hold the status as the home of 'Adversary Threat Tactics' within the DoD intelligence community and throughout the combat air force without the dedicated efforts of Mr. Zager," said Lt. Col. Christian Cheetham, 547 IS commander. "Everyone who has worked with Bernie knows that he is a consummate professional, a true communicator and a fun person to be around." A retirement ceremony for Zager is scheduled for 2 p.m. July 29 at the Red Flag auditorium. Brig. Gen. T.J. O'Shaughnessy, 57th Wing commander, will be the presiding officer.
