Flying (and retiring) high

Janet Kleinsmith chokes up when reflecting on her son's service in the Air Force.

Randy Swisher, a 1985 Post Falls High graduate who reached the rank of master sergeant, received the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal during a retirement ceremony Friday at Misawa Air Base in Japan.

"Everybody loves Randy," Kleinsmith said, fighting back tears. "Randy worked for this because I didn't have money to put him in school. If anybody wanted him to get anything done, he did it."

Swisher served more than 24 years in the Air Force.

"It's been both challenging and rewarding," he said. "I'd do it all over again if I had to. I got to travel to a lot of places and the best part was meeting the people I have."

His assignments for the past three years at Misawa Air Base have included deputy fire chief, accreditation manager and assistant chief of operations for the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron.

"He's a true soldier," Kleinsmith said of her 48-year-old son.

Swisher's awards have included, but are not limited to: National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism expeditionary and service medals, Afghanistan and Iraq campaign medals, Humanitarian Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal and NATO Medal.

Swisher is humble about receiving the honors.

"It's just part of military life to receive medals," he said.

He served at Edwards Air Force Base in California, Kadena AFB in Japan, Altus in Oklahoma, Kunsan in South Korea and Malmstrom in Montana before his assignment at Misawa.

Swisher plans to look for work in the fire service in the Northwest after he returns home in mid-October.

"I've had several interviews, mostly across Washington state," he said, adding that he may be a fire inspector or teach firefighting.

He is married to Mikiko Swisher and they have three children: Cody, Dayne and Jennifer.