VANDENBURG AIR FORCE BASE, California — Technical Sgt. Peter Dasis retired from the U.S. Air Force on May 30, 2013 after more than 20 years of distinguished and honorable service in the field of aerospace and rocket launches.

Dasis entered the military on Oct. 16, 1992, and after getting his basic training at Lackland AFB, in San Antonio, Texas, he completed technical training at Chanute FBF, in Illinois.

His first duty assignment was in 1993 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where he became a part of a missile maintenance team, performing work on a variety of Air Force missile systems, worth an estimated $34 million.

    In 1998, he was sent to Vandenburg AFB to help the 576th Flight Test Squadron launch the missiles he had previously worked on, and to serve as an instructor, ultimately overseeing more than $200 million in launches, and more than $92 million on equipment and facilities.

    He later moved to the 1st Air and Space Test Squadron where he served as a ballistic operations technician, working on more than $1 billion worth of launch vehicles.

    In 2009, Dasis graduated from the NCO Leadership School at Maxwell Air Force Base, in Montgomery, Alabama, and three years later earned a degree from the Community College of the Air Force, with a specialization in Missile and Space Service Maintenance.

Dasis was presented with the Air Force Commendation Medal, Third Oak Leaf Cluster, for meritorious service as Non-commissioned Officer-in-Charge, Pad Safety, 30th SPAEC Wing, at Vandenburg, for the period Dec. 7, 20009 through May 31, 2013, during which time he participated in more than 30 launch and recovery missions for six nationally critical aerospace programs valued at more than $12 billion.

    During his long tenure, Dasis also participated as an on-site safety manager for Minotaur IV remote launch operations at Wallops Island, Virginia, where his efforts paved the way to a successful launch of the $100 million vehicle.

In addition, Dasis received letters from President Barack Obama and Chief Master Sergeant of the U.S. Air Force James A. Cody thanking him for his service to America.

    Dasis’ wife, Beckey, was also recognized and presented with a pin, medal, and shadow box of memorabilia honoring her support for her husband during his service to his country.

    A reception for Dasis and family members who attended the ceremony was held on base following the presentations.

    A graduate of Choctaw Co. High School, Dasis is the son of Jack and Ethel Dasis, of Butler.

    He and his wife, Beckey, have five children — Brittany, Page, Tabitha, Maggie and Austin.