On June 29, 2026, family, friends, colleagues and fellow service members gathered at Heroes Ranch to honor Lt. Col. Theresa M. Hairston as she concluded a 35-year military career dedicated to service, leadership and mentorship.
Lt. Col. Peter Shinn, USAF (Ret.), acted as emcee and opened the ceremony with recognition of Lt. Col. Hairston’s deeply rooted military family. Lt. Col. Shinn acknowledged Hairston’s father, an Army veteran; her mother, also a veteran; her stepfather, a Marine veteran; her husband, Lloyd Hairston, a Navy veteran; and her children, many of whom have continued the family’s tradition of military service across the Air Force, Navy and Army National Guard. The family’s commitment to serving the nation was highlighted as one of her greatest legacies.
A heartfelt tribute from her stepfather, Peter J. Printz, Sgt., USMC, Vietnam veteran, reflected on Theresa’s journey from graduating high school and enlisting in the Air Force to earning her commission as an officer. He shared memories of attending both her basic military training graduation and Officer Training School graduation, expressing pride in watching her grow into an accomplished military leader. He emphasized that while military assignments and careers change, the values of dedication, perseverance and service remain constant.
The presiding official, Lt. Col. Anni Mu, USAF (Ret.), presented Lt. Col. Hairston with her retirement orders and a medal during the ceremony following her remarks. Lt. Col. Mu continued the ceremony with remarks celebrating Lt. Col. Hairston’s distinguished career. Beginning as an enlisted aircraft maintenance specialist, she advanced through the ranks to become a respected officer, serving in numerous leadership positions including public affairs, instructor duty, Pentagon staff assignments, aircraft maintenance squadron command, National Guard Bureau leadership and ultimately as deputy mission support group commander. Throughout every assignment, she earned a reputation for excellence, professionalism and unwavering commitment to developing others.
Lt. Col. Mu noted that while Hairston’s résumé is impressive, her greatest accomplishment is the impact she has had on people. She was recognized as a mentor who invested in developing future leaders and inspired those around her through integrity, compassion and servant leadership. Lt. Col. Mu also described Hairston’s leadership as “one that made others stronger rather than seeking recognition for herself.”
The ceremony also highlighted Hairston’s final assignment as Joint Officer Assignments Manager at the National Guard Bureau, where she oversaw joint officer management across all 54 states and territories. Her leadership improved joint qualification opportunities, strengthened interoperability across the joint force and resolved critical personnel data issues that benefited countless National Guard members. For these accomplishments, Lt. Col. Hairston was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
Following the award presentation, Lt. Col. Hairston officially entered retirement after 35 years of honorable military service. She received her retirement certificate, the traditional Air Force retiree pin presented by her son and a Spouse Appreciation Certificate recognizing her husband, Lloyd, for his steadfast support throughout her career. A ceremonial folding of the American flag by her daughters symbolized the nation’s gratitude for her service and sacrifice.
In her retirement remarks, Lt. Col. Hairston expressed heartfelt gratitude to the many people who supported her throughout her career. She thanked former commanders, instructors, colleagues, friends, church family and mentors who influenced her journey. She shared memories from assignments around the world, reflected on the lifelong friendships she formed and acknowledged the countless individuals who helped shape her as both a leader and a person. Her remarks emphasized faith, family, teamwork and gratitude.
The ceremony concluded with the official introduction of Lt. Col. Theresa M. Hairston, United States Air Force (Retired), marking the beginning of a new chapter after more than three decades of distinguished military service. Her retirement celebrated not only an exceptional career but also a lasting legacy of leadership, mentorship, family and selfless service to the nation.