Col. Craig R. Thomas "Doc Thomas", 168th Medical Group Commander, Alaska Air National Guard, meets with Capt. Corrie Elmes, left, before retiring after 48 years in uniform at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 15, 2020. Thomas first enlisted in December 1971 as an Aerial Porter Technician prior to his appointment to the Air Force Academy, after which he was a communications officer before going to medical school. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Adam Keele)