Maj. Gen. Mark A. Kyle pins a Legion of Merit medal on retired Col. Bruce Bowers, former commander of the 446th Airlift Wing, during his retirement ceremony at Hangar 9 here Aug. 9, 2014. Bowers finished his career after commanding the 446th AW for three years and serving his country for a total of 33 years. From engineering to flying planes, he had 15 assignments and flew more than 9,000 hours in seven different types of aircraft. He now plans to return home to North Carolina with his wife.