COMMENTARY>>End of a season

By Lt. Col. Dana Dane
19th Medical Group Deputy Commander

Last weekend, I sat on my patio winding down from a busy week. I watched some long needed rain fall to the ground, and took time to reflect on the many changes of command ceremonies I’ve attended here at Little Rock Air Force Base this summer. The most recent one took place just last Friday, one of the last of such ceremonies scheduled for this summer. As I continued to watch the rain I thought it was almost as if the gentle rain falling was symbolic of a calm “end of a season” for these notable Team Little Rock events.

I’d like to take this opportunity to share a few personal thoughts and observations on these recent change of command ceremonies, offer my sincere thanks to outgoing commanders for what they’ve done, and to give a warm welcome to all the incoming commanders.

First, nearly half of all Team Little Rock squadron, group, and wing commanders have turned over the reins of their units to new leaders over the last few months. While this dynamic certainly offers us all significant challenges, make no mistake about it, TLR is absolutely resilient! To every TLR member’s credit, we have not missed a beat. Our Airmen continue to do a phenomenal job day in and day out executing our mission, training, and providing tactical combat airlift for the combatant commanders. That speaks volumes for all of us here at the “Rock.” Our local community members are proud of us, and we are the envy of everyone in the United States Air Force.

I’m sure we are all well aware that change of command ceremonies are “bittersweet,” and far too often they seem to come too quickly. What we must also realize is there is goodness that comes with that seemingly rapid turnover of our senior leaders. The ongoing influx of new leaders brings in new ideas and leadership perspectives that help keep our organizations refreshed, vibrant, and alive.

As expected, every TLR change of command ceremony I attended was similar in format and conformed to tradition. However, each and every commander’s shared perspective and comments were unique, each heartfelt and each personal. Storytelling ran rampant, laughter was abundant, and tears were plentiful.

Every single outgoing commander expressed how overwhelmed they were and how extremely proud they were of their Airmen. Each gave all the credit for their unit’s incredible successes and accomplishments to the unit members and their families, and they all thanked their spouses and immediate family members for their love, many sacrifices and unwavering support. Many also said the things they treasured most from their time in command were the relationships and partnerships that developed along the way, and the way their units came together and supported each other as a family in times of need. Finally, they often extended their heartfelt thanks to their Airmen for the honored privilege of being their leader.

Incoming commanders were humble and to the point. They consistently expressed how grateful they were for their opportunities, and how they were looking forward to working with their new teams. They were all eager to step up to the plate and get to work.

To me, it has never been clearer. TLR has been blessed with outstanding commanders at every level! God bless these men and women and their families. They sacrifice much and give “their all” to their chance to lead. Their focus is on the “mission” and “people.” TLR, rest assured you and your families mean the world to your commanders!

Outgoing commanders, I thank each one of you for your exceptional leadership and all that you’ve done for us. You will be missed.

Incoming commanders, I welcome each of you! All of TLR embraces you. We thank you in advance for what you are about to do. We look forward to your leadership and great success.