Executive Officer to the Commander of the 354th and Aerospace Science Teacher in Myrtle Beach
by Melissa LaScaleia
Commander Chief Master Sergeant William Forbus served in the United States Air Force for twenty-seven years. He retired in 1994 after a distinguished military career.
During his tenure with the military, he worked in several capacities, including administration, information management, and intelligence.
He was assigned to the United States Defense Attaché Office (USDAO); the American Embassy in Bonn, Germany; and the USDAO American Embassy in Canberra, Australia.
William received an associate’s degree in administration, and graduated summa cum laude with a BA in resources management. In military schooling, he graduated from Airman Leadership School; the NCO Academy; and the United States Air Force Senior NCO Academy.
He was stationed at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base from 1990-1992. During this time, he served as the Personnel Superintendent for the 354th Combat Support Group, and later became Executive Officer to the Commander of the 354th Combat Support Group.
After his time in Myrtle Beach, William was selected as Wing Senior Enlisted Advisor (Command Chief) 51st Fighter Wing, Osan AB, Korea.
He also served as the Superintendent of Administration for the 20th Combat Support Group at Shaw Air Force Base, in South Carolina. After this assignment, he retired from Shaw AFB.
After retiring from the military, William worked as a production supervisor as well as a personnel specialist with AVX Corporation for seven years. After this, he taught at Socastee High School as an aerospace science instructor in the AFJROTC program. Under his leadership, the unit won the Distinguished Unit Award (3 with merit) all twelve years of his tenure.
He retired from Horry County Schools in June 2014. You can find the marker commemorating details from his life and military service at 800 Gabreski Lane, at the Base Recreation Center in the Market Common.
