Jack Blackhurst, who served as the executive director of the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright Patterson Air Force Bas, retired from federal service on Wednesday.
A virtual retirement ceremony was held from 2:30 to 4 p.m. to celebrate his retirement after 46 years of military and federal service.
“Jack has been a force of nature and we will miss him – not only at AFRL, but also AFMC, the Air Force and Space Force. He leaves a long string of mission successes and a strong pipeline of talent,” said AFRL commander, Brig. Gen. Heather L. Pringle.
Blackhurst began his military career in 1975 as communications electronics officer of the 509th Bomb Wing at Pease AFB, New Hampshire.
After completing his master’s degree in 1979 at the Air Force Institute of Technology, also at Wright-Patterson, he held many management roles across the branch.
He achieved the rank of colonel on his military retirement in 2004, and became AFRL Executive Director in June 2017.
“It has been a distinct honor to work with the AFRL professional workforce for many years,” Blackhurst said. “Our strength is our people. We live in a dangerous world and the nation is relying on you (AFRL workforce) to develop the advanced technology solutions in Air, Space, and Cyber to keep this nation safe for the current generation and for future generations to come. What you do really matters!”
Cox Media Group
