AIR FORCE

Schmidt retires

Chief Master Sgt. Michael Schmidt retired after 32 years in the U.S. Air Force and Alaska Air National Guard Rescue Squadron.

Schmidt, the son of Walter K. Schmidt of Northampton and the late Joan Braun Schmidt, graduated from Northampton Area High School in 1981.

He has flown HC-130 and E3 AWACS aircraft including 91 combat and combat support missions.

In Alaska, he flew in 111 rescue missions resulting in 116 persons saved and 25 more brought to safety.

Schmidt received 37 awards and decorations during his military career.