Retiree returns to Missouri Guard again and again

(Ret.) Master Sgt. Michael Lewis prepares to leave the Missouri National Guard a second time at the Guard armory at the old Springfield airport terminal in Springfield, Missouri in November 2011. The three-decade Guard veteran returned to a position with an aviation unit just two months after. (Ann Keyes/Missouri National Guard)

By Ann Keyes
ngmo.pao@us.army.mil

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - You just can't keep a good retiree down - at least not Mike Lewis, who left the Missouri Army National Guard in 2007, yet continues to serve.

Lewis, who was recently hired as a state employee as a property books manager at the Missouri Guard's Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group facility in Springfield, has spent more than 30 years working with the military, in aviation, especially, and it appears he's just not quite ready to quit.

"Working for the Guard is very satisfying," said 49-year-old Lewis. "To me, it's the people. I like taking care of Soldiers, and I like watching people progress through the Guard."

Lewis began his National Guard career in 1980 on 'delayed entry' while still in high school. Much of his family has served the military, he said. Two brothers signed with the Missouri Guard and his father served in the active Army for 23 years.

Lewis began working fulltime for the Guard as a "clerk-typist" in 1987 at the armory on South Fremont Avenue in Springfield, serving with a transportation company. Later, changing his military occupational specialty, Lewis took a supply sergeant slot working for the 135th Army Band.

"I've been the only band guy who wasn't a musician," said Lewis of the position that thereafter was held by musicians-only.

Lewis worked as a training noncommissioned officer, and again as a supply sergeant for a medical company.

"Every unit is completely different; each has its quirks. You have to learn those to be effective," said Lewis.

In 2000, Lewis took a job in Warrensburg where he served with the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade.

"I like aviation. It's like a family," said Lewis. "Once you work in aviation, you tend to stay in that branch. There are a lot of career options in aviation."

In 2004, Lewis returned to the Ozarks, taking a position with the 935th Aviation Support Battalion before retiring three years after. He went to work for a private security company as an operations manager. Then, a brief stop by the Springfield armory to talk about golf turned into another fulltime position.

"The 1107th (Aviation Group) was leaving for deployment. They needed someone who was already trained, who had institutional knowledge," said Lewis of the training technician position. "Getting them prepared to leave was priority."

Lewis remained in that position for two years, several months after the return of the unit.

"Mike Lewis was an essential asset to the 1107th Aviation Group staff as a contracted civilian," said Capt. Ryan DeSha, who served as the administration officer during the 1107th's absence.

"Mike's experience as a retired master sergeant greatly contributed to the daily staff operations and resulted in many of the staff consulting him for his knowledge. His dedication to the Missouri National Guard is unsurpassed and was evident based on his strong work ethic. It was a pleasure to work with him due to his energetic spirit and positive attitude," added DeSha.

"That position was a lot of fun," said Lewis of the job that ended in November of last year. "Not only do you get to teach, there is a lot of responsibility, with the primary job of taking care of Soldiers. You get to see the end result, which is them being successful in their job."

Lewis has been supported in his military career by his wife of 22 years, Lori Lewis. The couple raised two now-grown children. Chelsea Lewis recently graduated from college; Sgt. Justin Lewis serves in the Missouri National Guard.

"I always knew I'd retire from the Guard," said Mike Lewis.

But he likely didn't know how many times he'd return.

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