SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – Identical twin sisters retired from the Ohio Air National Guard together after more than 20 years of service at the 178th Wing.
Senior Master Sgt. Tammy J. Mundy, administration superintendent for wing staff at the 178th Wing, and Chief Master Sgt. Tabatha K. King, the senior enlisted leader for the Mission Support Group, served together at the wing for more than 20 years. In a ceremony during February drill weekend, the sisters put on their uniforms one last time for their joint retirement ceremony.
“It almost feels surreal,” said King. “We’ve been able to have this opportunity that most people don’t get to have. I served this long because I constantly wanted to give back to the wing and to the Airmen.”
“Chief King has been a true leader throughout her career and in her most recent role as the Mission Support Group chief,” said Command Chief Master Sgt. Scott E. Ross, the command chief at the 178th Wing. “I’ve seen her professionally push her Airmen to new heights. She is always interested in making a difference in people, and she is very good at taking the time to ensure her Airmen are reaching their fullest potential.”
Ross said Mundy “strives for perfection every day” and is the constant rock of the command support staff and wing leadership circle.
“Senior Mundy succeeds in everything she touches, “Ross said. “When she takes on a task, you can bet it’s going to be done correctly. She also gives back to our Airmen immensely and cares so much for ensuring our Airmen get what they need and is always looking for ways to make things better, and you can’t ask for more than that.”
King enlisted in the Ohio Air National Guard Jan. 29, 1995, after high school. She joined for the education benefits to pursue her bachelor’s degree. Mundy followed in her sister’s footsteps and enlisted in the Ohio Air National Guard Sept. 29, 1999.
When they joined the military, the twins were not as close as they are now. Being able to serve side by side in the Guard and rely on one another strengthened their relationship.
“The Guard has helped create an even stronger bond between us,” said King. “We can understand what it’s like. We are the sounding board for each other. She’s my person and my go to.”
Through career changes during their time in the military, the twins have been each other’s biggest supporters.
“She’s been a mentor to me any time I’ve needed advice,” said Mundy. “She’s always been a phone call or even just a couple steps away.”
In the Guard, Airmen build strong bonds, creating a family atmosphere at the wing. For King and Mundy, this family bond extends beyond the workplace.
“I was able to serve next to my son and daughter-in-law,” said Mundy. “I was able to meet my husband. I created a huge family at the base, but I was also able to create a family in my personal life from the Guard.”
Both twins are looking forward to starting a new life outside the military and spending more time with their families. King plans to rediscover her identity outside the military and find a way to give back to her community. Mundy’s plans involve beekeeping, opening a farmer’s market, and arts and crafts.
They will be missed at the wing.
“I’m extremely grateful that I was able to spend a part of my career here with them,” said Ross. “They’ve both never let me down, and they are both ‘True to the Core Servant Leaders,’ and for that, I wish them all the health and happiness in the world on their double retirement.”