Retiree rewarded for 43 years of service

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Wilson
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Not very many things symbolize dedication like spending the majority of a lifetime in service to the U.S. government.

Dedication was something Helga Bialluch demonstrated for more than 43 years working in the 52nd Fighter Wing before retiring Jan. 29.

Some of her accomplishments include being selected to represent the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron at the Pentagon in 2001 for winning the Air-Force level Society of American Military Engineers-Curtin Award as the most outstanding civil engineer squadron. She was also a member of the 52nd CES when it received the Outstanding Resources Flight of the Year Award at both U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Force levels.

Mrs. Bialluch's dedicated efforts helped bring Spangdahlem Air Base through many challenging times to include the 52nd CES' major reorganization to which she made numerous contributions and played a key role. She successfully realigned squadron members to the new flight structure.

Maj. Gen. Timothy A. Byers, Air Force Civil Engineer at Headquarters U.S. Air Force in Washington and former 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron commander, wrote her a letter of appreciation for supporting the Spangdahlem mission in so many ways.

"For to take time out of his schedule to write her that letter, to me that's pretty noteworthy," said Chris Odum, 52nd FW chief of resource management.

In appreciation for her service, she was coined by Lt. Col. Charles D. Kuhl, 52nd CES commander, and Col. Jodine Tooke, 52nd Mission Support Group commander, and also received a letter from President Barack Obama for being a key player to the 52nd CES for more than 40 years.

"She was a valid team member. It's not easy to replace 43 years of service and historical knowledge," Mr. Odum said.

"We really appreciate the dedicated service and support she's provided, not only to the United States Air Force, but more specifically to the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem. She'll be missed, but we wish her all the best in her retirement," Colonel Tooke said.

In appreciation of her commitment, the 52nd CES hosted a luncheon and provided flowers and a travel gift certificate.

"Spangdahlem Air Base is a good employer, and I'm going to miss all my co-workers. There were ups and downs like every job, but I enjoyed working for the Air Force," said Mrs. Bialluch.