Reserve wing holds triple change-of-command

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Donna T. Jeffries
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, NJ --  Three Air Force Reserve officers simultaneously became commanders in an unprecedented triple change-of-command ceremony in the 58-year history of the 514th Air Mobility Wing held here Sunday. 

The 514th Maintenance Group held this historical event for Majors Jeffrey P. Matthew and Kerri D. Ebrecht and Lt. Col. Troy D. Vokes who respectively took command of the 514th Maintenance, 514th Aircraft Maintenance and 714th Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons.
The three command changes came about unexpectedly said Col. Reginald Stroud, commander, 514th MG. 

"My staff and I were planning two separate change-of-command ceremonies when a discussion between me and the 512th Maintenance Group commander at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware created the possibility for a no-notice career opportunity for one of my commanders and one of his," said Colonel Stroud. "When all vested parties agreed, it meant the 514th MG would have to host a third change of command within the same time frame as the first two," he said. It just made sense to combine all three in one ceremony said Stroud. 

The event narrator tells the audience about the history of formal ceremony. 

"The change of command ceremony is deeply rooted in military tradition that predates the Norman Conquest of England... It is a visible means of handing over the reins from the departing commander to the new commander. The ceremony preserves tradition and stimulates esprit de corps," said the narrator. 

During their introductory speeches, the incoming commanders expressed how thrilled they were to be given this responsibility. 

"The proof of success is in the quality of people in the unit," said Major Matthew who having served as the maintenance officer for the 514th Maintenance Operations Flight since December 2005 already knows many of his new squadron members. "I'm excited to work with those men and women and look forward to meeting those I haven't met."
While all of the outgoing commanders will be greatly missed they all are moving on to bigger opportunities said Colonel Stroud. 

Lt. Col. Nicholas Kosca-Vacirca, former commander of the 514th MXS heads to Dover Air Force Base, Del., to command the 512th Maintenance Group. Col. Joseph Glebocki, previous commander of the 714th AMXS moves on to serve at the Army War College in Pennsylvania. Lt. Col. Kathyrn Johnson, recent commander of the 514th AMXS will attend the Air War College in Alabama. 

Before relinquishing her staff of command Colonel Johnson gave some words of wisdom. The first thing you have to do as a new commander is win the hearts and minds of your people, she said. That significantly aids commanders in successful leadership and in accomplishing the mission.