Financial advisor retires after more than 40 years of service to military community

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  A former Airman who has served as Moody's personal financial advisor for the past two decades will soon retire for the second time.

Before his current position, Ernie Pryor had an active duty career that started with him being an enlisted data automator and ended in the finance career field as an officer.

"I'm not even sure what I would have done if I hadn't joined the Air Force," said Mr. Pryor. "I had already earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and might have been interested in being an income tax accountant."

He decided to join the Air Force in the first place because he didn't want to be drafted by the U.S. Army. The path he chose led him to influence the financial well-being of many.

"Every now and then, I'll see a master sergeant who was maybe an airman first class when I originally helped them," said Mr. Pryor. "I sure didn't expect to be in this job for so long and it's good to know that I am impacting the lives of others when I hear previous customers say that I was a big help to them."

One coworker who has worked closely with Mr. Pryor since late 2005 agrees with this.

"He has simply had a tremendous impact on Team Moody," said Senior Master Sgt. Victor Johnson, Airman and Family Readiness Center superintendent. "He has always gone above and beyond in his job to help people find their way out of financial troubles and get them on the right path toward success."

Another colleague who has worked hand-in-hand with Mr. Pryor for many years mentioned one of his greatest assets was his laid-back attitude.

"One of the first things I ever noticed about him was that he never got mad or upset; he was always calm," said retired Chief Master Sgt. Buddy McGill, 23rd Force Support Squadron personnel specialist. "He was a very personable guy and we had some great times working together and going on temporary duties. He was an expert in what he did and he will be sorely missed."

In addition to being missed, Mr. Pryor has his own things that he will miss about the military.

"It has always been a great community to work in and I will miss the people the most," he said. "It has been exciting to be in a position where I get to interact with people who are beginning and ending their careers."

Now at the end of his career, Mr. Pryor has a few things to do in mind.

"I figure I have got about a month to relax before getting started on the 'honey do' list," he said. "It's already about 10 feet long with all the projects I need to get done. I also hope to do some travelling and see my grandchildren a bit more."

Along with his grandchildren, Mr. Pryor will also have more time to spend with his wife Martha and four children.

"My wife supported me a great deal, including all the times we moved around or when I was working late or away on a temporary duty assignment," he added. "My kids supported me too so I also have to give them praise in all I have accomplished."