On a bright February day, family, friends, and colleagues gathered for a Wright-Patterson AFB retirement ceremony to celebrate Col Julian’s 27 years of service. It was a day filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and deep appreciation for the sacrifices made throughout his career. From his favorite assignment in England to his least favorite in Texas – something everyone got a good laugh about – Col Julian reflected on the journey that led him to this milestone.

A Wright-Patterson AFB Retirement Celebration

Surrounded by loved ones, this retirement ceremony was a beautiful reflection of the impact Col Julian made throughout his career. But he humbly recognized that he couldn’t have done it alone. He thanked his wife and children, his sister and nieces, his mentors and colleagues. In a particularly emotional moment, he thanked everyone present for being his family.

To express his gratitude, Col Julian gifted his wife, daughter, sister, and nieces bouquets of flowers. That wouldn’t be an appropriate gift for a pre-teen boy though, so he decided on something else for his son. And that presentation was one of my favorite moments of the whole ceremony. With eyes filled with pride, Hudson accepted a set of military coins from his dad. I’m sure they’ll always serve as a reminder of the dedication that comes with being part of a military family.

Congratulations, Julian family! Thank you for your service and for choosing me to capture your big day.

If you’re planning a Wright-Patterson AFB retirement ceremony, I’d love to document the day for your family too. Please reach out to me and we’ll get your date on the calendar!

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