EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — The Air Armament Museum at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, was the setting for the retirement ceremony honoring Col. Louis “Mitch” Dantzler, on June 8.

Before his retirement, Col. Dantzler was the director of the Capabilities Integration Directorate, Air Armament Center at Eglin AFB. He led a diverse and highly skilled team that is responsible for Armament Enterprise future weapons development and concept planning. 

As a youth, Dantzler, son of the late Louis and Ruth Dantzler, was a resident of Fairhope, where he participated actively in scouting, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout and was active in the Fairhope High School band as drum major. He graduated from Fairhope High in 1975 and attended Samford University, but eventually moved to Auburn University where he completed a three-year Air Force ROTC scholarship.  Dantzler graduated from Auburn with a bachelor of science in electrical engineering and was commissioned a second lieutenant in March of 1981.

Dantzler met his wife, the former Karen Steinmetz, while on his first assignment in B-52s at Warner Robbins, Ga. They were married a year later on June 3, 1984. Their three children, Robert, Katie and Sarah, were born during his next assignment at Barksdale AFB in Louisiana. 

During Dantzler’s 26-year career in the Air Force, he has had many different assignments and has flown 2,046 hours in B-52’s G/H. He has received a Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal with three oak leaf cluster, Combat Readiness Medal and French National Defense Bronze Medal.

After the arrival of family members and distinguished guests, comments were made by Brig. General Lanni.  Other comments, remarks and special presentations were also made.

Dantzler’s sister, Dianne Dantzler Strong, of Robertsdale, and her husband, Arthur, also attended the event and reception.  Strong said that “The Last Salute,” held near the end of the program, was very touching to watch. 

During this special presentation, for each rank Dantzler attained during his career, a young person at that rank walked up to him; he presented that officer with a silver dollar, and they saluted one another.

Other family members from Robertsdale attending the ceremony honoring Col Dantzler were, Arthur Strong’s daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Wayne Dilling and his grandson, Justin Strong.