Colonel Frankel announces retirement

  • Published
  • By Joel Langton
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Air Force officials announced at noon Thursday that Col. Michael Frankel, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, had opted to retire this Fall.

His change of command will take place Sept. 12 and his retirement will be effective Dec. 1. Colonel. Frankel took command of the Air Force's premier pilot training wing May 19, 2010. During his tenure, the longest of a recent wing commander here, Colonel Frankel pushed the wing to a number of achievements. His command will be known for him taking care of enlisted dorm challenges for Laughlin's Airmen; emphasizing the deployed members and their families plus enhancing the programs Laughlin and the downtown community has in place to support them. He's also fostered community relations and built upon the wonderful support from local area.

According to Colonel Frankel, it wasn't an easy decision to retire. "I've loved coming to work every day that I've been in the Air Force. It has been an honor to serve my nation, especially during a time of war," he said. "However, I've always told people to take care of those that are going to cry at your funeral. It is time for me to do that."

He cited several reasons for his decision at this time -- A herniated disk in his neck, wanting to give his children stability in schools and putting his wife's career first.

"Throughout my entire career, my family has taken a back seat," he said. "I want my children to be able to go to the same school for more than a year and I want my wife, a pediatric nurse practitioner to be able to focus on her career. At this time of my life, this is just the right thing." The Frankel family has moved 17 times since Sept. 22, 1988, when Colonel Frankel joined the Air Force.

The news was particularly surprising to community members, many who saw stars in Colonel Frankel's future. "I've been working with wing commanders since 1974 on the city council and more than 25 years in different capacities with the school board, said Del Rio Mayor Roberto "Bobby" Fernandez. "He exemplifies the relationship with the community. He doesn't just talk about it, but he gets out there and does it. He attends community events and knows the community. We are going to miss him and we wish him well."

However, Mayor Fernandez predicted a bright future for Colonel Frankel regardless if he is wearing a military uniform or civilian clothes. "He is going to be successful in his future ventures because of his sincerity and the way he conducts himself," Mayor Fernandez said.

As disappointed as the wing and community are, people are relieved to see a familiar face taking over the reins. Col. Thomas "Murph" Murphy, the 47th Flying Training Wing vice commander will move his office about 15 feet as he moves from the vice's to the commander's office. Colonel Murphy began his career at Laughlin as a student and then became a first assignment instructor pilot going on to a career as a command pilot, flying more than 3,200 hours in the C-5, T-37 and T-38.

"When I was here as a student and then an instructor, in my wildest dream, I never thought of being wing commander here one day," Colonel Murphy said. "It was an honor to work with Colonel Frankel and I look forward to leading the wing into the future."