After graduating from Thatcher High School in 1987, Jody Wayne York worked for a year before deciding to travel the world — by joining the Air Force.

After enduring basic training in Texas, and technical school in Colorado, he was assigned to the 400th Munitions Maintenance Squadron Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan.

York stayed in Japan for seven years, working as a munitions systems craftsman. He said he had so much opportunity to travel other places that even though he missed home, he only visited once in three years. After that visit, he didn’t visit again for two years.

Jody Wayne York is given a shadow box plaque containing a flag that was flown over the nation’s Capitol, his uniform, military awards and decorations. York retired from the Air Force after 20 years of service to his country. See Page A4 for a tribute to veterans. Contributed photo

York loved the culture of Japan, especially the people, who are calm and quiet. He said it takes eight years to learn the language, and he can understand most of it but only speak enough to order food.

During his assignments, he enjoyed receiving holiday cards and letters from schoolchildren.

In 1995, he was transferred to the 388th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Hill Air Force Base in Utah. He said Utah reminded him a lot of home.

In 2000, he was reassigned to the 355th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Davis Monthan AFB Arizona Munitions Flight in Tucson, where he retired in August 2008.

While stationed in Japan, Utah and Arizona, York was deployed to South Korea, the Philippines, Diego Garcia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Puerto Rico and Afghanistan.

Deployment lasted a couple of weeks or maybe a month, he said, except for once when he was deployed in Afghanistan for seven months.

He served in the Desert Storm, Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom wars.

Throughout his 20 years in the Air Force, York gradually climbed the management ladder and in April 2006 was promoted to master sergeant.

York decided to retire in 2008 because he felt it was time for a change. He said new people with new ideas will replace him and that’s what’s best.

He plans to enjoy retirement for a year or so, relaxing and catching up on everything he missed, before looking for a job.

At his retirement ceremony he was given a shadow box plaque containing a flag flown over the nation’s Capitol by John McCain, his uniform, military awards and decorations.

Master Sergeant York said he misses the people he worked with but plans to stay in touch by phone and e-mail.

He said it will take a while before he will be able to think of himself as a veteran. “When I think of a veteran, I think of someone who fought in World War II or something like that,” he said.