Photo By Senior Master Sgt. William Buchanan | Brig. Gen. Brian Simpler (left), Florida Air National Guard commander, passes the...... read more read more
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (June 10, 2018) -- Col. Paul Reedy assumed command of the 125th Fighter Wing June 10 during a change of command ceremony here. Reedy accepted the role from the previous 125th FW Commander Col. Brian Bell in front of servicemembers, family and friends, and distinguished guests.
“To the women and men of the 125th Fighter Wing, it has been a privilege and honor to serve in this United States Air Force with each and every one of you,” Bell said. “Ours is a profession that bears unforgivable consequences for complacency, but I am confident when that day comes you will all rise to the challenge.”
Bell relinquished his command by surrendering the unit flag to the Commander of the Florida Air National Guard, Brig. Gen. Brian Simpler, as part of the traditional passing of the colors. Simpler then passed the colors on to Reedy, signifying his acceptance of the new position and assumption of command.
“Today’s ceremony drawing on the traditions of George Washington pays tribute to the glory and honorable achievements of the men and women of the 125th Fighter Wing as they change command from Col. Bell to Col. Reedy,” said Tech. Sgt. Yasmine Mays, the master of ceremonies.
Following the traditional passing of the colors, Bell’s retirement order was published. His official date of retirement is Aug.1.
Reedy previously served as Deputy Division Chief, Homeland Division within the directorate for Strategic Plans and Policy, Joint Staff at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. In that role he worked closely with the National Security Council, Department of State, Department of Defense and the Combatant Commands to provide coordinated politico-military policy recommendations to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Reedy graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1997, at which time he commissioned in the active duty Air Force. He is a command pilot who has flown more than 1,900 total flying hours and 60 combat hours.
After assuming command, Reedy thanked Bell and Simpler for their guidance and leadership. He went on to discuss the global mission Airmen continue to support around the world, and expressed his pride in serving alongside the Airmen as they defend against the most likely threat here in the state of Florida - hurricanes.
“There really is no greater honor than being capable and able to support your fellow citizens and neighbors when they need help,” Reedy said. “The bottom line is, we’ve got an unbelievable amount of support from our local community, and we owe it to them to be ready and to come to their aid when they need it.”
| Date Taken: | 06.10.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.11.2018 09:39 |
| Story ID: | 280422 |
| Location: | JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 403 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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