U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mary Atkinson, 633rd Air Base Wing protocol noncommissioned officer in charge, applied for early retirement from the U.S. Air Force through the Temporary Early Retirement Authority after 16 years of service. Atkinson decided to retire early because she believes she is prepared for the transition into the civilian sector. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Austin Harvill/Released)