FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Col. David L. Augustine, the 122nd Fighter Wing Commander, has decided to retire from the Indiana Air National Guard after almost 32 years of service.  He will retire in the next few months due to medical issues discussed at the recent press conference by Major General R. Martin Umbarger, the Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard. The specific timeline pertaining to the retirement is unknown, but Major General Umbarger will interview replacement candidates soon.

The following are the official statements provided by both Major General Umbarger and Col Augustine regarding Col Augustine's retirement:

Major General R. Martin Umbarger states that he is proud of the achievements that Col. Augustine has spearheaded at the 122nd in the past four years that he has been Commander.  “Col Augustine was the right officer, at the right place and the right time to lead the 122nd Fighter Wing through very challenging times to include conversion, combat and negotiations to ward off the MC-12 and bring the F-16C back to Fort Wayne.  He was pivotal in establishing STARBASE Indiana and in creating the bed rock for bringing the Joint Strike Fighter to Fort Wayne in the future.  The list is endless.”
        
“I am blessed to have had the opportunity to serve almost 32 years in the Air National Guard,” Augustine said. “And I can’t think of a better place to retire than Fort Wayne.  We have a patriotic community that is connected with its military – we are blessed.  I am proud and honored to have served with the men and women of the 122nd Fighter Wing, the Blacksnakes, and in the Indiana Air National Guard.”

The 122nd Fighter Wing appreciates the many contributions that Col. Augustine has made to the base and is excited to gain a new commander that will continue Augustine’s positive work in the community, the state and the nation.