Former Mako says farewell at Homestead: Maj. Gen. Larry Twitchell retires after 42 years of service

  • Published
  • By Ryan Ayers
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD ARB, Fla. --  As the sun began to rise over Homestead Air Reserve Base on the morning of Dec. 19, former 482nd Vice Wing Commander Maj. Gen. Larry "Twitch" Twitchell prepared for his fini-flight.

For most Mako pilots, prepping for a morning flight is as commonplace as grabbing a cup of coffee in "the trough", but this morning was different.

The fini-flight marks the last flight in the military career of a pilot and is usually accompanied by a send off from friends and family...and a spray down courtesy of the Homestead Air Reserve Base Fire Department.

General Twitchell spent 42 years with the Air Force, and spans his career with a start in the Michigan Air National Guard, then the Air Force Reserve and finishing on Active Duty as the U.S. Defense Representative to Saudi Arabia.

Throughout his career, he has seen and been stationed at a number of military installations, but Homestead is "where it all started" according to the general.

His career started in the Air Guard, but he feels his career really started when he became a Mako. That's why he wanted his last flight to be with the Makos.

"The 482nd Fighter Wing and the Makos are known all over, not just for their outstanding performance, but for their professionalism, and 'get the job done' attitude," the general said.

With his last flight finished and his retirement only days away - New Year's Day - people might ask what a retired General does with himself.

First, Maj Gen Twitchell doesn't feel like he's retiring. He's "re-living."

"There are so many people and places I would love to see, friends that I have not had a chance to spend time with, and now I have the time and so do they," he said.

His plans are to see America from the ground.

"I have been all over the United States, and have seen America...from the air, now its time to see it up close."

What is the one place he has seen from the air he would love to see up close?

"When I was a young second lieutenant, I flew through the Grand Canyon, and I have never had the chance to experience it," he said.