Meet the new 926th Group commander

  • Published
  • By 926th Group public affairs
Q. What were you doing before you came to the 926th Group?

A. "Before I returned to the field, and Nellis Air Force Base, I was working at Air Force Reserve Command headquarters as the chief of operational requirements (AFRC/A5R). It was a great job because I got to work directly with many war-fighting members of this command to define, prioritize, purchase, acquire and field many of the "things" they needed to be more combat ready and combat capable. We were involved in everything from targeting pods to satellite communication radios to night vision devices, using congressionally-appropriated funding provided through the National Guard & Reserve Equipment Account, totaling over $100 million of resources available at any given time."

Q. What is your initial impression of the group?

A. "I am very impressed with the diversity and professionalism I see in every member of the 926th Group. To say our mission set is unique is a large understatement. As I gained an understanding of both our geographic separation and the cross-domain, multi-major command support requirements of both our Unmanned Aerial Systems and Tactics, Testing & Training missions I had to literally sit down and re-think my preconceptions of how AFRC can and must support Total Force Integration."

"I have now visited our 78th Reconnaissance Squadron at Creech Air Force Base and every unit on Nellis AFB. Before the end of the fiscal year I will visit the 84th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin AFB, Fla., the 706th Fighter Squadron, Detachment 1 at Hurlburt Field, Fla., and the 26th Space Aggressor Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colo. I want to meet every member of this group face to face and tell you how important and needed you are. The mission you execute or support is vital to the current and future security of our nation and I need your best efforts in accomplishing that mission."

Q. What are your first priorities for the group?

A. "As I said at the change of command, my most important priority is to take on additional missions and turn this group into a wing. Nellis AFB and the United States Air Force Warfare Center are national treasures to our Air Force and the Department of Defense. By providing an enduring AFRC presence here, we can ensure a future of providing continuity and expertise at the center of emerging missions and changing tactics."

"So much for the "big picture;" my day-to-day priority is "Mission first, people always." I and every unit commander in this group must take care of our people; making certain they have the tools, training and resources to do their jobs or we have failed at our most basic and important responsibility."

"In the near term I want the group to get through this summer safely, close out the fiscal year efficiently and get all of us moved into our newly-renovated facilities as quickly as possible. Then we'll tackle hiring for the additional personnel positions we'll be gaining in the new fiscal year."

Q. Why did you join the U.S. Air Force Reserve?

A. "I originally joined the Reserve in 1989. I had reached the 10-year point in the Regular Air Force and was dissatisfied with what I saw as a personnel system that did not care about me or value my contribution or potential. I joined the 442nd Fighter Wing at Richards-Gebaur AFB in Kansas City, Mo. because I liked them and they liked me. I felt myself part of a team or a family and believed I would be able to give my family stability and permanence while I got to do what I loved; fly airplanes."

"Then the first Gulf War kicked off and I/we were enraged because we weren't asked to go save the day! Instead we got an Operational Readiness Inspection and a Base Realignment and Closure action sending us to Whiteman AFB in Knob Noster, Mo. Suffice it to say that much has changed since "the good old/bad old days" of the Cold War. I became part of the Operational Reserve and have changed jobs or moved three more times, averaging three to four years in any given assignment or place. Now I see the Reserve as a very special capability, full of very capable people. My goal is to help take care of these people as best I can, while getting to enjoy my time working for and with the best people in this Air Force."

Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?

A. "My wife and I have children around the country; with family in Michigan and Arizona, and a bunch of dogs that always need our attention, we can be very busy. I like to be out of doors when the sun shines; I like hiking, climbing, golfing or swimming. I also like attending picnics, sporting events and other types of celebrations. And I almost never turn down the opportunity to sleep in or take an afternoon nap in a hammock on non-Unit Training Assembly weekends."