Retired Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Perez, right, receives the Meritorious Service Medal from U.S. Air Force Col. Jarrett Virgil, 16th Air Force Air National Guard advisor to the commander during a retirement ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 2, 2024. Perez retired after 36 years of service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Brooke Keisler)

Vilma Perez pins an award on her husband, retired Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Perez, during his retirement ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 2, 2024. Perez retired after 36 years of service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Brooke Keisler)

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Perez gives his wife, Vilma Perez, an American Flag during his retirement ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 2, 2024. Perez retired after 36 years of service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Brooke Keisler)

U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Airmen prepare to fold an American Flag during a retirement ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 2, 2024. Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Perez, 290th Joint Communication Support Squadron senior enlisted leader, retired after 36 years of service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Brooke Keisler)

U.S. Air Force Col. Jarrett Virgil, 16th Air Force Air National Guard advisor to the commander, left, puts a retirement pin on Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Perez, 290th Joint Communication Support Squadron senior enlisted leader, during his retirement ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 2, 2024. Perez retired after 36 years of service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Brooke Keisler)

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Perez speaks during his retirement ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 2, 2024. Perez retired after 36 years of service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Brooke Keisler)

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Perez speaks during his retirement ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 2, 2024. Perez retired after 36 years of service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Brooke Keisler)

U.S. Air Force Col. Jarrett Virgil, 16th Air Force Air National Guard advisor to the commander, left, stands with retired Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Perez during a retirement ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 2, 2024. Perez retired after 36 years of service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Brooke Keisler)