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Gullion assumes command of 434th OSS

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Andrew McLaughlin
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  Airmen, family and friends gathered to witness the transfer of authority of one of Grissom's units from one officer to another in a long-held tradition.

Lt. Col. Douglas Gullion took command of the 434th Operations Support Squadron during a change of command ceremony here June 1.

Gullion replaced Col. Larry Shaw, who moved on to become the 927th Operations Group commander at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

Col. Christopher Amend, 434th Operations Group commander, presided over the ceremony and said Gullion will bring with him the experience and the enthusiasm needed to do the job.

"He brings an insight and attitude of embracing change in the Air Force," Amend continued.

Prior to taking command of the 434th OSS, Gullion held numerous leadership positions, serving as the 72nd Air Refueling Squadron director of operations and acting as the unit's commander.

Gullion graduated from Purdue University in 1983 and began his Air Force career in 1987. The following year he began pilot training served with both the 72nd ARS and the 74th Air Refueling Squadron in various positions.

"It was a tremendous experience," he said of this time with the squadrons, taking time to explain the friendly rivalry between the two aerial refueling units.

Looking ahead, Gullion said he is excited to take on his new position and the responsibilities that come with it.

"I look forward to the challenge ahead and building relationships," he continued.

He also spoke of challenges facing Air Force reservists today and encouraged fellow Airmen to find balance between their military service, civilian jobs and family life.

In that same light, Gullion took the time to thank his wife Pam and their three children for their support throughout his career.

Gullion is a command pilot with more than 6,000 flight hours and has deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

The 434th OSS falls under the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the globe in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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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:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer