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Aufderheide takes charge of 72nd ARS

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Andrew McLaughlin
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  With the passing of a guidon, a new leader took charge of one of Grissom's aerial refueling units.

Lt. Col. Erik Aufderheide took command of the 72nd Air Refueling Squadron during a ceremony here June 1.

Aufderheide replaced Lt. Col. Doug Gullion, who took command of the 434th Operations Support Squadron that same day.

Fellow Airmen, family, friends and past mentors came to witness the ceremony and congratulate the new commander, who has been with the 72nd ARS since 2005.

"This is the finest unit I've ever been in," said Aufderheide. "It's got the best people and the best equipment."

He said his vision for the squadron is to stay just that -- the best.

Aufderheide talked about the importance of Airmen balancing their military responsibilities with family and civilian life and emphasized that a healthy balance allows them to be more effective at their jobs and enjoy their time Grissom.

He also spoke of the importance of being a citizen Airman in regards to contributing to society and defending the nation.

"We should feel good about fighting the enemy," he said.

Among those in attendance were his son, Leif and fiancé, Melinda Brown.

During the ceremony, Aufderheide told his son that he serves in the military because he loves his family and then embraced him and gave him a 72nd ARS unit coin.

He also humorously recalled the time he asked his fiancé out for their first date, and said how nervous he was at the time.

He then went on to thank his mentors for the guidance and support they gave him, especially during his days in pilot training.

Col. Christopher Amend, 434th Operations Group commander, who presided over the ceremony, said he has high hopes for the new commander.

"I look forward to him taking the 72nd to new heights," said Amend.

Aufderheide entered the regular Air Force after graduating from Indiana University in 1994. Prior to joining the 72nd ARS, he served with Air Combat Command, Special Operations Command and the Air National Guard.

He has deployed in support of Operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch and New Dawn.

Grissom is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command.

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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