Gleason lands after 38 years of military flying

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Chief Warrant Officer 5 Guy Gleason formally retired from the New Mexico Army National Guard during a ceremony today at the New Mexico Veterans’ Memorial here.

A career aviator, Gleason served as the state’s Command Chief Warrant Officer for his last two and a half years in uniform.

Maj. Gen. Kenneth Nava, the Adjutant General of New Mexico, presided over the ceremony. Nava, as did others present, noted that Gleason’s ceremony fell on the 103rd anniversary of the creation of the U.S. Army’s Warrant Officer Corps on July 9, 1918.

“It’s the perfect day to celebrate his 38 years of service,” Nava said. “He’s an expert in all things Aviation. When he came to work on the fourth floor (Command Group), he became an expert in paperwork.”

Nava presented Gleason with the Legion of Merit, the New Mexico Distinguished Service Medal, and numerous certificates from the U.S. Army, National Guard Bureau, and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, as well as overseeing the presentation of gifts from members of the audience.

Together, Nava and Gleason presented Gleason’s wife of 32 years, Karen, with U.S. Army and National Guard spouse’s certificates and children’s certificates to children Guy, Tyler, Ben, and Martha.

Gleason’s son Ben, an Air Force staff sergeant, presented his father with a U.S. flag after it was folded by an NMARNG honor guard.

Retired Col. Matthew Lewis presented Gleason with the Order of St. Michael on behalf of the Army Aviation Association of America.

“Aviation is where my heart is,” Gleason said. “You remember the people, and that’s why you don’t mind the late nights.”

Gleason received an ROTC commission in the U.S. Air Force when he graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management. He joined the NMARNG in 1997 after 12 years of active duty with the Air Force.

Qualified in both the UH-60 Black Hawk and C-12 Huron, Gleason has been a command pilot, instructor pilot, maintenance test pilot, aviation safety officer, and operations officer.

Gleason’s previous awards include four Air Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, three Air Force Commendation Medals, three Air Force Achievement Medals, and the Master Aviator Badge. He served two tours in Iraq and one in Kosovo.

In the Air Force, Gleason first learned to fly the UH-1N Huey. Interestingly enough, a Huey flew by the ceremony en route to landing at Kirtland Air Force Base.

Gleason paid tribute to his parents, both of whom served in uniform during World War II.

“That’s where we learned as children how to serve—from Mom and Dad,” Gleason said.

“One day, I found myself in the New Mexico Army National Guard,” he said. “I didn’t realize what a life-changing opportunity that was going to be.”

Gleason reminded those still in uniform of their responsibility to the organization.

“As General Nava said, it’s all about making the Guard better,” Gleason said. “When you drive in our front gate, you see the words ‘Legacy of Honor.’ That’s a reminder to do your best every day.”

Despite being the honoree of the day, Gleason deflected the limelight to others—namely relatives and fellow service members.

“Today is not really about me,” he said. “It’s about all of you. It’s about my family and friends.”

Reflecting on the life-changing opportunity of Guard membership, Gleason said, “Karen and I have been honored to serve the New Mexico Army National Guard.”