Quibble time. At the end of the article it says he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. If he retired in 1998, then he cannot have served in OIF since it didn’t start until 2003. Also, I don’t know if a LtCOL (O-5) by law can serve for 30 years. Only an O-6 (or above obviously) can serve for that long. There may be some special circumstances, but usually O-5’s cannot go beyond 26 years. Was he National Guard? Anyway, it calls into question his credentials.
Who says he served exactly as a LT COL for 30 years...he probably worked himself thru the ranks and was a a LT COl. when he retired.
Could have been a voluntary return to AD. Not out of the question. Especially if he was a medical officer or in some other small density combat service support branch. It may also just be worded poorly. He may have served as a contractor or in civil service during OIF.
Rules for longevity keep changing-based on the needs of the services.
If ARNG, he may well have served 30+, as long he did not exceed max age requirements at the time.
Lt. Col. Repya volunteered to return to active duty for the Iraq war, he was recommissioned, and served honorably. He is a friend of mine and credentials are valid.
He went over in a completely voluntary capacity with special permission.