It was a big day for John Varilek as he became an Air Force colonel at Barksdale Air Force base on Monday, July 29, 2019.

Col. Varilek was joined by family, friends, and colleagues as he was honored.

Here are photos from the event as the Air Force Strategic A5 director of plans and policy was pinned with his new rank:

Col. John Varilek, Air Force Strategic A5 director of plans and policy, has his new rank pinned on by his wife and father during his promotion ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, July 29, 2019. After 21 years of service, Varilek promoted to the rank of colonel.

Col. John Varilek, Air Force Strategic A5 director of plans and policy, poses with his family for a photo during his promotion ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, July 29, 2019. After 21 years of service, Varilek promoted to the rank of colonel.

Col. John Varilek, Air Force Strategic A5 director of plans and policy, kisses his wife during his promotion ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, July 29, 2019. After 21 years of service, Varilek promoted to the rank of colonel.

 Col. John Varilek, Air Force Strategic A5 director of plans and policy, kisses his wife during his promotion ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, July 29, 2019. After 21 years of service, Varilek promoted to the rank of colonel.

Photos by Senior Airman Stuart Bright. 
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.