ROME, N.Y. — James Ray, the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) chief of protocol, retired on July 1, wrapping up three decades of service as both a civilian and on active duty with a ceremony that followed every protocol he worked to instill at the Rome Lab.
The Bradford, Pennsylvania native settled in Rome after his active-duty career with the Air Force. He worked as a substitute teacher in the Utica, New Hartford, Holland Patent, Oriskany, and Rome school districts after an opportunity to work at the Rome Lab as a civilian fell through.
Ray’s persistence in working there eventually paid off when the lab hired him as an equipment custodian. He quickly rose through the system to commander’s support staff superintendent before becoming chief protocol officer, bringing an extensive background in military protocol to the position.
“Jim flawlessly executed each visit here at AFRL,” Colonel Fred Garcia, director of the AFRL Information Directorate and commander of Detachment 4, said in a news release. “Each one was more successful than the previous. His knowledge and expertise in handling visits meticulously with close coordination provided all visitors with a better understanding of the laboratory’s mission.”
Ray led the AFRL Information Directorate through numerous high-level distinguished VIP visits that included two from the Secretary of the Air Force, two from the Under Secretary of the Air Force, members of Congress, and several high-ranking international visitors. He also provided protocol support for numerous general-officer visits from all branches of the military.
Ray represented the AFRL Information Directorate on the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce board and served as head diving coach at Hamilton College, where he also ran a diving club for competitive divers in the local area.
Ray’s retirement plans include relaxing and golfing with his wife, Denai. He intends to remain in the Rome area.
The AFRL is the primary scientific research and development center for the Air Force with a workforce of more than 11,500 across nine technology areas and 40 sites around the world.
