Wing welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Shawn J. Jones
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Leadership of the 514th Air Mobility Wing changed hands as Col. Michael Underkofler became the wing's 23rd commander in an official ceremony here March 27.

Becoming acclimated to his new position shouldn't pose too large a challenge for the colonel. Since April 2010, he had been serving as vice commander for the wing's former commander, Col. Giordano McMullen.

As vice commander, Colonel Underkofler was not just the wing's number-two officer. He was also the wing's top full-time Airman.

Colonel McMullen, who was a traditional reservist, had the challenge of balancing his duties as wing commander with his employment as a civilian airline pilot. It is rare for a traditional reservist to maintain an independent civilian career while serving as a wing commander, but Colonel McMullen has done it twice - once with the 514th AMW and once with the 913th Airlift Wing at Willow Grove Air Reserve Station, Pa.

"It demonstrates the respect and admiration senior leaders have for his capabilities and his personal model of service," Colonel Underkofler said.

Balancing a civilian career with an Air Force Reserve career is not a challenge Colonel Underkofler must personally overcome as a full-time employee of the Air Force Reserve, but he said one of his top priorities will be helping the wing's Airmen to find the right balance between their various professional and personal commitments.

"Our Citizen Airmen serve at great personal expense; many often travel great distances, and all take time away from their families, communities and civilian employers to perform military duty," he said.

Colonel Underkofler said he wants to ensure his Airmen are properly rewarded for their sacrifice.

"My goal is to make sure we use their time and talent productively while also having fun, ensuring professional growth and sustaining esprit d' corps," he said.

Colonel Underkofler has previously served as the chief of staff for the 22nd Air Force at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., and commander of the 908th Airlift Wing at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.