Tabor retires after 41 years of federal service

Published Nov. 8, 2012
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Larry Tabor has penciled out a landscaping plan for his Biloxi home, revved up his motorcycle, sorted through his fishing gear and made plans to be a full-time grandpa. But heading for work at Keesler is going to be a hard habit to break. After all, he's spent all but two of his 41 years of federal service at Keesler.

"I've seen a lot of changes over the years," said Tabor, who celebrates his retirement at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Bay Breeze Event Center. "I've worked with 15 wing commanders in my civilian career and another eight during my military career. I witnessed the devastation and rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina and experienced first-hand the rapid growth of technology."

Since 2008, Tabor has been the chief of the 81st Training Wing Plans and Programs Office. In this capacity, he's managed three of the wing's most critical and complex work centers -- the exercise evaluation team, operations plans and wing resources. For the past year, he's also served as the installation antiterrorism officer.

Tabor, a native of Thibodaux, La., did two year-long remote tours and came right back to Keesler, retiring from active duty in February 1991 as a master sergeant.

One of Tabor's most vivid memories came in 1974, when his wife, Denise, took him to the airport to leave for Thailand. His only son, Benjamin, was 18 months old and was in the back seat of the car with his hands on the window, crying.

"It broke my heart," he recalled. "Staying at Keesler may have limited my career progression, but it stabilized our family life. Remaining here also enabled my wife to complete 25 years as a teacher in the Biloxi School System."

Later in 1991, he began his civilian career as a GS-05 officer performance report clerk, but within three years he moved to his specialty, personnel readiness, as a GS-07. In 1995, he became the wing's operations plans officer, a GS-09 position.

As the operations plans shop grew in mission and personnel, he was promoted to a GS-11 position in 1998. Nearly 10 years ago, he was promoted to a GS-12 slot as chief of operations plans.

Along the way, he completed a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1996. Two years later, he earned a master's degree in business administration from William Carey University.

"I was fortunate to be able to continue Air Force employment," said Tabor, who was recognized in 2007 as the wing's civilian supervisor of the year. "I've always enjoyed helping people and being a part of Team Keesler. I enjoyed mentoring our troops and staffs. I think that's how I'll be remembered -- as someone willing to help.

"I've heard people refer to me as the Answer Man, Grandpa Plans or Plans Whiz," he added.

Earlier this year, Tabor received the Air Force's Volunteer Excellence Award, which acknowledges outstanding community service over an extended period of time. He served three terms as his church's parish council president, is the former president and member of the board of directors of the D'Iberville-St. Martin Chamber of Commerce and is secretary-elect of the Special Olympics of Mississippi Board of Directors.

Tabor is proud of his involvement with the Mississippi Knights of Columbus, a Catholic men's fraternal organization. He's held local, district and state leadership positions, including his 2009 election as state deputy responsible for oversight of 59 local councils and more than 6,300 members. He currently serves as the executive director of the KC's non-profit foundation that provides major funding to state-level agencies supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.

His secretary, Kristina Keeton, said, "Mr. Tabor is one of the finest supervisors I have ever worked for, both on active duty and as a civilian. He's a faith-filled, 'people first' individual -- that's his leadership style. He truly cares about his subordinates and will do everything in his power to promote their best interests. He has taught me so much in the past three years that I've worked for him. I'm really going to miss him!"

"There'll be no 'filling the footprints' left by Mr. Tabor," remarked Don Young, the wing's operational/contingency plans and programs analyst. "While he mentored his replacements, one can't replace his years of corporate knowledge. He's an incredible Airman."