JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Senior Master Sgt. Sydney Agag, specialist section chief with the 514th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, completed his final temporary duty during an annual tour at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 7, 2025. This final TDY is poetic for Agag as he also began his 36 year career at Kadena AB.
“I joined the military in February of 1989,” said Agag. “After basic military training and technical school, my first active-duty station was Kadena Air Base.”
Although his father served in the military before him, Agag’s decision to join the Air Force was one of circumstance.
“When I was younger, I got in a little bit of trouble and didn’t really have a path after high school,” said Agag. “Because of that, my father made the choice for me to join the military.”
Like many people who join military, Agag quickly found direction and developed a sense of self.
“The military definitely put me on a path—the right path,” said Agag. “It kept me out of trouble, taught me discipline, and gave me a goal… it gave me a purpose.”
As he rose up the ranks to senior master sergeant, Agag learned the leadership skills required to lead the next generation of Airmen.
“As a section chief, I gained valuable skills such as how to talk to people, listen, and hopefully guide them,” said Agag. "It’s essential to be able to figure out if a member is having issues or if they are struggling.”
Throughout his career, Agag has created many bonds with mentors and peers, and has molded the Airmen he leads. One such peer who has worked with Agag for 15 years is Senior Master Sgt. Chandradeo Harry.
“He's a a very trusting and caring leader, and fully capable of executing the mission every time,” said Harry. “Even if there’s an issue, his leadership style is the type to get to the bottom of the situation and create a plan of action that best supports the mission and best supports his people.”
Having first met each other working on C-17 Globemaster III’s, Harry has witnessed Agag’s experience and skillset on the flight line.
“Oh man, that guy is the guru of avionics,” said Harry. “Guidance and Control is his specialty. His methodology of teaching is incomparable. He's one of those mentors who can pick up on a trainee’s learning style and then tailor the training so they can better understand it.”
Although this annual tour is his last, Harry the bond they’ve forged will live on.
“Am I planning to say goodbye? Never,” said Harry. “He’s going to be around me for the rest of my life, and I’m going to be around him for the rest of his.”
Agag did, however, have a few words for the Airmen to whom he is passing the torch.
"Be humble, listen to your leaders,” said Agag. “Most importantly, if somebody's not doing well, be there for your fellow Airmen. We’re a family and we need each other to get the mission done.
After an impressive and fulfilling career in the U.S. Air Force, Agag is looking forward to retirement.
“Retiring feels bittersweet I guess,” said Agag. “I wanted my final TDY to be at Kadena to bring things full circle. This is where it all started for me, so yeah, it brought back good memories. This is where my Air Force family started over 30 years ago, and now, as I’m closing out my career, and the next generation is just beginning theirs, I’m grateful to have been able to bring this group here, to a base that is so special to me.”