FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
Harold Higgins ends distinguished service
BY CAITLIN GIDDENS Contributing reporter

Harold Higgins

After serving his country for the past 38 years, Harold L. Higgins recently retired as the Texas Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sergeant.

"I started in the service in December of 1969 during Vietnam War," Higgins said. "I guess the main change from then and now is the advances in equipment and professional schools. Now we go to school like every other career and get recharged in our profession."

Higgins was honored July 21 with a reception complete with color guards, NCOs and countless military leaders.

"I've been to a lot of events like that," Higgins said. "But this was the first time it was all centered on me. It seemed unreal."

Although they may not have been ceremonial, Higgins has received letters thanking him for his service.

"I've gotten letters from the commander chief of the Air National Guard and the chief master sergeant of the Air Force," Higgins said. "It's always nice to get a pat on the back or a job well done."

Higgins has even been given a letter from the president that spoke of his devotion to duty and a spirit of sacrifice.

Harold Higgins (above, center) is presented with an enlisted sword by his fellow command chiefs. At left, he and wife Anita walk the "Honor Guard of Chiefs" at the beginning of his retirement ceremony.

"Sometimes I get calls or letters from people and I can't believe they're real," Higgins said. "I just want to pinch myself and I ask what an old country bumpkin like me is doing with the chief master sergeant of the Air Force or the vice president."

Aside from the recognition, another highlight of Higgins' job is the chance to help people in crisis. Two years ago Higgins took part in the massive response team after Hurricane Katrina

"As the director of public health care, my job is to prepare the community for emergencies," Higgins said. "And we don't just help with hurricanes, but also pandemic influenza and other emergencies."

Higgins said that it's been a strain to balance his career, his family and his role in the community.

"It's definitely a stretch just to serve the state and local service," Higgins said. "It's like working two jobs. I'm gone almost every weekend so there's not a lot of time to serve the community as much as I used to."

Although Higgins is ending his National Guard career, he will remain in uniform. During the ceremony, he was sworn in to the Texas State Guard and will serve as an enlisted advisor to the adjutant general and State Guard general staff.

But now that Higgins has retired, he's looking forward to getting involved in the community again.

"I never had time to help the community or volunteer," Higgins said. "But my wife helped enough for her and my share. Getting back to helping the community is one thing I hope to do in my retirement."

In the past, Higgins was on the campus planning committee for Higgins Elementary.

"Higgins is probably where I spent the most time locally," he said. "Now I'm looking forward to doing things like that. I want to spend more time to relax, get active in our church again and be with my family."