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Pinnell takes command of 434th AMDS

  • Published
  • By A1C Harrison Withrow
  • 434 ARW

Deeply rooted in military tradition since the middle ages, change of command ceremonies afford service members the opportunity to witness the symbolic passing of the torch in the presence of friends, family members and fellow Airmen.


Keeping true to that tradition, Col. Gregory Pinnell, 434th Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander, accepted the guidon and command of the 434th AMDS during a change of command ceremony here June 1.

Col. Anne Noel, 434th Air Refueling Wing vice wing commander, gave a heartfelt goodbye to outgoing 434th AMDS commander Lt. Col. Pete Weber.

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciated Weber’s friendship, his professionalism, and his calm demeanor,” Noel said. “He embodies the Air Force core values, and he is a perfect example of what a good leader looks like.”

Noel had equally as much praise for Pinnell, who she said was greatly qualified for the role of AMDS commander.

“He has such a wealth of knowledge and experience that even when he left Grissom, day or night there were people calling him for advice,” Noel said. “This is what you will be getting in your new commander.”

Pinnell spoke only briefly, noting the alert sirens which had gone off at the beginning of the ceremony as a reminder that the base was in the middle of an exercise.

“I want to thank Weber for all of the assistance he gave me in being here today” said Pinnell. “It was with his help that I was able to get back out of the Inactive Ready Reserve without going into the Army.”

“It’s wonderful to be back after eight years,” he continued. “I see a lot of old faces I know, a lot of new faces too, and I’m just so thrilled to be here and be able to meet and work with every one of you.”

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. The Citizen Airmen from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.


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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Douglas Hays
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Josh Weaver
Public affairs operations chief

Master Sgt. Josh Weaver
NCOIC of public affairs

Master Sgt. Rachel Barton
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Alexis Morris
Staff writer

Airman 1st Class Elise Faurote
Staff writer