Team McConnell receives new commander

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Lockoski
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- --  Col. Donald Halpin passed the reigns of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing to Col. James Vechery during a change of command ceremony here Feb 8. 

Colonel Halpin expressed his gratitude to the wing as he prepared to depart for a new position on the Air Mobility Command staff.

"Thank you friends, family, and community for the privilege of having served with you. I can think of no one better person to pass the command on to today," he said. "We live by our motto here ladies and gentlemen, DUCEMUS ... we lead," he said.

Colonel Vechery joins Team McConnell after serving as the vice commander of the 89th Airlift Wing, Andrews Air Force Base, Md. He is a command pilot with more than 2,900 hours flown in various types of aircraft.

Maj. Gen. James Hawkins, 18th Air Force commander, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., initiated the new commander after Colonel Vechery was passed the ceremonial wing guideon and command of the men and women of the 22nd ARW.

Colonel Vechery expressed his commitment to the Air Force's top priorities especially that of providing for Airmen and their families.

"As your commander, I promise to do everything in my power to ensure that you are properly taken care of. I have a fundamental belief that if I take care of you, you will take care of the mission," he said.

Colonel Vechery shared the foresight of distinction amongst other commands.

"Although there are many changes on the horizon, I plan to continue this McConnell legacy of excellence by driving this bold vision - Team McConnell, the Air Force's Center of Air Refueling Excellence, he said. "To help us keep this vision in our sites our motto is simply ... One Family, One Mission, Forging our Future Through Excellence," he continued.

At the end of the ceremony, Colonel Vechery took his first official salute as wing commander signifying the start of his new tour.