‘Legend’ retires after four decades of service Published July 16, 2025 By Vanessa R. Adame 37th Training Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Forty-four years, seven months and five days. Anita Conder devoted more than half her life to civil service. Dozens of people filled the auditorium for her official retirement serving as a testament to her impact across the 37th Training Wing. Conder worked at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy for over 30 years, starting out as a budget analyst, until her second commandant – now retired Col. Jaime Vasquez, encouraged her learn more about the mission she served. Anita Conder looks at Tech. Sgt Karina Barajas of the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, after her retirement ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas on June 27, 2025. Conder worked in civil service for 44 years and had been with the Inter-American Air Forces Academy since 1994 where she worked as a resource advisor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Vanessa R. Adame) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “He came to IAAFA with such passion about our mission,” Conder said. “He told me he didn’t see me sitting at a desk just crunching numbers. He wanted me to know more so we took a trip to Washington D.C.” The visit to the nation’s Capital proved a success – the pair got more students than anticipated and the funding they needed. Conder said the visit was eye opening for her and served as motivation to continue to learn and grow in her role. “Watching him work, I was like, whoa,” Conder said. “The man is just amazing,” she explained. Timothy Ori, executive director of the 37th Training Wing, who presided over the ceremony described Conder as a financial management expert who always found a way to improve the mission, whether it was buying beds and desks for student dorms or helping obtain new technology for the courses. “Her commanders empowered her to make right financial decisions because they knew she would always do the right thing, and that she was focused on improving the organization in any way she could,” Ori said. “We talk about integrity, we talk about excellence and service before self and Anita exemplifies all of that…Anita, believe it or not you are a legend.” Outside the auditorium as people gathered to congratulate Conder, the impact she had on IAAFA and its people was visible through the long hugs, pictures and tears. “We wouldn’t have missed it,” said Vasquez, who traveled with his wife from Dallas to be here on this day. “She’s wonderful.” That sentiment is echoed throughout the security cooperation schoolhouse and beyond. “Anita will be greatly missed. Her legacy will be felt for a long time – not just for the people she mentored, but for her commitment to the mission,” said Col. Bryan Tuinman, IAAFA commandant.