Alexandria International Airport congratulated Air Traffic Control Manager Ray Schindler upon his retirement following more than 40 years of combined military and civilian service to the U.S. Air Force and Louisiana Air National Guard.

Schindler began his career in 1986 as an enlisted air traffic controller at Hammond Municipal Airport. He earned his commission in 1991 and served as the first commander of the Louisiana Air National Guard’s 259th Air Traffic Control Squadron in Alexandria in 1998.

Schindler retired from military service as a lieutenant colonel in 2017 and then served as air traffic manager for AEX Tower as a civilian USAF employee.

His career included roles with the LAANG Counterdrug Task Force, the 159th Fighter Wing and the Air National Guard Commissioning Academy.

AEX Director of Planning and Development Scott Gammel said Schindler’s service and commitment to the organization set a standard of excellence and expressed his appreciation for their professional partnership and friendship.

Alexandria International Airport thanked Schindler for his dedication to the nation and AEX and wished him well in retirement.