Photo By Tech. Sgt. Kristina Overton | Airmen stand at a attention as a ceremonial guidon is passed to establish Col. Thomas...... read more read more
Members of the 136th Airlift Wing welcomed its newest commander during a change of command ceremony December 2 at Naval Air Station Forth Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas.
Maj. Gen. David McMinn, Texas Air National Guard commander, presided over the ceremony and the change of command, where Col. George W. Holt, Jr. relinquished command to Col. Thomas Suelzer.
“The change of command ceremony is rooted in military history, dating back to the 18th Century during the reign of King Frederick the Great of Prussia,” said Lt. Col. Ben Harper, 181st Airlift Squadron chief pilot and narrator for the ceremony. “When a change of command took place, the outgoing commander would pass the flag to the individual assuming command. This symbolic tradition of passing the guidon has survived through military history and remains the key element of this military ceremony.”
Before transitioning his position, Holt addressed the men and women of the 136th for his last remarks as commander.
“Continue to be excellent,” said Holt. “Don’t let “Nulli Secundus” be just a motto. Care about performing excellently, taking care of each other, and being the best Airman you can be. That’s what I appreciate you doing for me, and I must say, it’s been a pretty good ride. I’m looking forward to hearing great things from Col. Suelzer.”
Following the ceremonial passing of the wing guidon, Suelzer offered his first address to the Airmen of the wing.
“I am humbled to lead the 136th Airlift Wing,” said Suelzer. “It is a great honor to be here on this stage as your new commander.
"As your new commander I’ll tell you that your first responsibility is to master your trade, and that trade is the profession of arms. Your core competency is to fly, fight and win our nation’s wars. In the words of Gen. [Douglas] MacArthur, “Everything else in your professional career is but corollary to this vital dedication.” We will be dedicated, we will be focused, and we will be ready. May God bless all of you, may God bless America, and may God bless the great state of Texas.”
Prior to being appointed to his new position, Suelzer served as 136th Airlift Wing vice commander.
| Date Taken: | 12.03.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 12.03.2017 12:36 |
| Story ID: | 257223 |
| Location: | NAS FORT WORTH JRB, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 582 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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