GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind -- Lt. Col. Eric Kase took command of the 434th Force Support Squadron during an assumption of command ceremony here, Dec. 5, 2020.
As the officiating officer for the ceremony, Col. Gretchen Wiltse, 434th Mission Support Group commander, praised Kase’s well-rounded career, and his love for Airmen, to show why he is the best fit for the job to Grissom leadership and the FSS.
“Sometimes if you spend your life in one little bubble you don’t see what else is out there,” said Wiltse “Colonel Kase brings a well-rounded experience to the table.”
Wiltse formally handed Kase the 434th FSS guidon as part of a military tradition symbolizing the public transfer of command.
Kase showed his thanks to leadership and praised his new squadron.
“Since I arrived at Grissom in 2019, I realized that we have amazing Airmen in this squadron,” said Kase. “You do outstanding things for this wing and for the MSG. Our squadron, as you know, is a customer service organization, but your professionalism and expertise in supporting our wing customers is exemplary.”
He continued with talks on building the foundation for the 434th FSS and building morale and concluded his address with adhering to the Air Force’s core values and thanking the 434th FSS.
“Always remember to stay grounded in your Air Force core values, those should be your guiding light, said Kase. “Let’s take the squadron to a new level of excellence. Thank you for all your hard work and opportunity to serve as your commander.”
Kase replaces Lt. Col. Scott Uselding.
Uselding left well wishes and words of encouragement for Kase and the 434th FSS, even though he was unable to attend the ceremony.
“I have been truly blessed to have served as the 434th FSS commander for the past three years. It has been an amazing experience to see all the accomplishments we have achieved over those years,” He said.
“I feel so confident in the future of this squadron and all that are assigned. Lt. Col. Kase is an outstanding officer with many years of experience. Thank you all for allowing me to be your commander and remember…we are family.”
The 434th FSS is part of the 434th Air Refueling Wing, which 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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