New Ulm woman retires from Air Force

Marks 22 years of service

BY SARA SYVERSON

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Tammy Johnson's family and friends helped her celebrate her retirement from 22 years in the U.S. Air Force at a party in her honor Saturday afternoon at the American Legion in New Ulm.

Johnson, who is from New Ulm, began her military career on Dec. 7, 1978, and ended it as Master Sergeant and Superintendent of the Air Force Return-to-Duty Program (RTDP) on Feb. 1.

Johnson described the RTDP program as a "second-chance program for convicted offenders," which emphasizes their rehabilitation and re-entry into the Air Force.

As superintendent of the RTDP program, Johnson was responsible for the custody and control of court-martialed airmen and for supervising military training leaders.

Johnson counseled candidates for attitude and behavioral problems and participated in various boards, conferences and treatment plans for candidates. Johnson also helped administer the Air Force Casual Program for former prisoners awaiting court action.

"It was pretty tough," said Johnson, "Some of the stories I heard from some of the offenders were pretty tough."

The offenders Johnson worked with were individuals convicted of sex offenses, assault, rape, and battery. Some had problems with drugs and alcohol.

Johnson began her career in air force basic training in Lackland, Tex. and received further administrative training in Keesler, Miss. She worked as an administrative specialist in Homestead, Fla., and then in Lajes Field, Portugal.

In May 1984, she was a part of a student squadron at Lowry, Colo., and three years later she received technical training at Ft. Gordon, G.A. After this training, she was stationed back in Lowry, Colo. with the Corrections and Rehabilitation Squadron, from 1991 to 1993.

In June 1993, she was stationed in Miramar, Calif., with the Security Police Agency until September of 1996. From 1996 to 2001 she had been stationed in Charleston, S.C.

"I found out about who I am," said Johnson of her military career."I grew while I was in the military ... in my independence and my sense of self. I learned that people are valuable, no matter who they are or where they're from ... and everybody has a story to tell."

Johnson looks forward to taking the next few months easy, before she decides her new path.

"I'm looking forward to life's journey -- wherever that may take me on the civilian side of the house," said Johnson.

Johnson arrived back in New Ulm on Nov. 10, 2000, and spent a white Christmas with her family.

"It's been a great day (Saturday)," said Johnson, "I've seen a lot of aunts, uncles, and I've met new friends of my parents. It's been a great time -- coming home."

The Air Force also gave her an official retirement ceremony on Nov. 3, 2000, in Charleston, S.C. Some of her family and friends could not attend, so Johnson and her family decided to have a retirement party in New Ulm.

"It's just wonderful to have her home after 22 years," said Johnson's father, Terry Johnson, of New Ulm. "I think she's had a fun career. I think she's been happy, and of course, we're proud of her. She was committed to her career and she was committed to getting the job done."