A local airman chose to come back to his hometown roots to officially complete his 20 year career in the United States Air Force by having his retirement ceremony held in his old backyard so to speak.

Air Force Master Sergeant Patrick Rodgers decided to close out his career in the Germantown section of Jim Thorpe surrounded by family, friends, and veterans.With his cousin Senior Master Sergeant Anthony Rodgers acting as narrator and coordinator of the ceremony, Rodger's Commander, Col. David Koontz mustered him out of the service and back into civilian life.After a benediction by Patrick's brother Father Phil Rodgers, Col. Koontz spoke at length to those gathered there about the life and far ranging career of his friend Sgt. Rodgers.His entry into the Air Force on October 5, 1990, not long after the fall of the Berlin Wall, was the start of a career that would take him to locations all over the globe.Among his many deployments over the years were Joint Base Balad, Iraq; Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia; Tirana, Albania; and King Khalid Air Base, Saudi Arabia.Upon completion of his time in service, Rodgers was the NCOIC, Protective Services, 811th Security Forces Squadron, Joint Base Andrews, MD.He was directly responsible to organize the secure movement and parking for high level domestic and foreign dignitaries with the combined coordination of U.S. Secret Service and other Federal law enforcement agencies.His background included various duties in security forces career field and six duty assignments.Patrick's decorations earned during his Air Force career include Meritorious Service Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 Oakleaf Cluster; Air Force Achievment Medal with 2 Oakleaf Cluster; and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 Silver and 2 Oakleaf Cluster.He is married to his wife Summer and together they have raised a set of twins, Josephine and Michael who attend Jim Thorpe High School.At the conclusion of the retirement ceremony, civilian Patrick Rodgers and all of his family and friends enjoyed a Summer picnic at the Germantown Grove in celebration of his retirement.