Col. Sheri Andino has commanded the Georgia Tech Air Force ROTC department since August 2006. Andino retired in August. In a special ceremony September 2, she was honored for thirty years of commissioned service with Major General Richard N. Goddard, USAF (Retired) presenting Andino Certificates of Retirement, Appreciation, and the Legion of Merit Medal.

“My final assignment at GT has been one of the most rewarding of my career,” Andino reflected. “I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with the world-class faculty and staff at Georgia Tech and to commission as Second Lieutenants some of the very top graduates from Tech and from twelve other Atlanta-area colleges and universities. Our cadets are excelling in academics, devoting themselves to the extra hours required for officership and leadership training in AFROTC, and many are working part-time and making significant contributions in community service. I’m very proud of their dedication.”

The AFROTC faculty and cadets have garnered numerous important awards during Andino’s tenure including the 2009 AFROTC Instructor of the Year, the 2006 AFROTC Cadet Training Assistant of the Year, 2006-2010 Society of American Military Engineers Awards, and the 2007 Alvin Ferst Award.

Col Andino said, “There is long, strong, and proud history of ROTC at Georgia Tech. That history is sure to continue to flourish thanks to the resounding support of the Atlanta community and our Tech family.”

Colonel Andino was raised in Miami, Florida. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Florida and received her commission via the AFROTC program in 1980. She flew the KC-135 in-flight refueling aircraft as a navigator for over thirteen years. Andino further served as an installation commander in England and base commander in Diego Garcia, supporting operations in Afghanistan, and in Washington, D.C. During her career, she also earned two Master’s degrees.

Colonel Andino is married to Greg Straka, a longtime Atlanta resident and Georgia Power Company Claims and Litigation Specialist. Upon the graduation of their son, Sean, from St. Pius X Catholic High School, the family will move to Dade City, FL, where Andino hopes to continue teaching.