57th Wing bids farewell to Chief Heinzen Published March 30, 2011 By Senior Airman Michael Charles Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The 57th Wing bid farewell to its command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Heinzen, during the chief's retirement ceremony, March 22, at the 64th Aggressor Squadron auditorium here. Brig. Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, 57th Wing commander, presided over the ceremony and marked the end to Chief Heinzen's 28-year career. "Bruce was always focused on making sure those around him were taken care of," General O'Shaughnessy said. "Whether you were an airman basic or a brigadier general, he always made sure you had the information you needed to succeed." Chief Heinzen enlisted in March of 1983 and wrapped up his career after 14 assignments, his final being a two-year tour as the 57th Wing command chief, which began in July 2009. "My time as part of the bull's-eye family here will never be forgotten," Chief Heinzen said. "The Airmen in the 57th Wing will forever be etched in my heart as I move forward in this next chapter of my life. I thank them for everything they have given me." The 57th Wing is the largest composite wing in the United States Air Force. It provides advanced aerospace training to world-wide combat air forces and showcases aerospace power to the world while overseeing the dynamic and challenging flying operations at Nellis. During the ceremony General O'Shaughnessy presented Chief Heinzen with the Meritorious Service Medal and his wife, retired Chief Master Sgt. Dianne Heinzen, presented him with his retirement pin. Following the formal retirement, members of the 57th Wing said their final farewells to Chief Heinzen at the Desert Oasis. "It has been fun," Chief Heinzen said. "It is time for me to step aside and let the next generation of our Air Force enlisted leaders take over. I will never forget my experience here, though."
