Courtesy of AFAMS

Colonel Franz “Baron” Plescha’s retirement ceremony at the Air Force Agency for Modeling & Simulation (AFAMS) headquarters validated the respect and admiration that senior leadership, his colleagues and family have for the salient commander.

Col. Franz M. “Baron” Plescha (left), receives a Certificate of Appreciation signed by the President of the U.S., from his brother Lt Col. (USAF Ret.) Stephen “Hans” Plescha during Plescha’s retirement ceremony on May 23.

Col. Franz M. “Baron” Plescha (left), receives a Certificate of Appreciation signed by the President of the U.S., from his brother Lt Col. (USAF Ret.) Stephen “Hans” Plescha during Plescha’s retirement ceremony on May 23.

Certificates of Appreciation for his service in the U.S. Air Force from President Barack Obama, Major General Steven M. Shepro, Director of Operations, and General Mark A. Welsh III, Chief Of Staff, were presented during an informal setting at the Bishop Conference Room on May 23. Many distinguished local military and government officials gathered in order to pay their respects and listen to the numerous accomplishments Plescha achieved during his 27 years of military career, and the legacy he leaves to the Air Force Modeling and Simulation Enterprise.

Col. Franz M. “Baron” Plescha, AFAMS Commander (center back), surrounded by his family during his retirement ceremony on May 23. Plescha comes from a long lineage of service and sacrifice to the Air Force  and to our nation.

Col. Franz M. “Baron” Plescha, AFAMS Commander (center back), surrounded by his family during his retirement ceremony on May 23. Plescha comes from a long lineage of service and sacrifice to the Air Force and to our nation.

In a message to his colleagues and the Team Orlando community, Plescha said, “Big thanks to AFAMS for a wonderful retirement ceremony and send off from the Air Force. I will miss the military terribly, but also look forward to the transition, and continue helping in any way I can.

“AFAMS has been a rewarding experience for me,” he continued. “I was fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of an organization responsible for significant changes in the way the Air Force conducts training and approaches’ readiness thru LVC. The opportunities we have in Research Park to work together are amazing, and it’s been a pleasure to work with so many professionals involved with modeling and simulation. I remain excited about the career field and look forward to working with each of you in the future. See you around campus!”

Photographs by Josh Free

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