Chapman takes command of maintenance squadron Published Feb. 10, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Ben Mota 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- With one short movement, a flag was transferred, and with it all the authority and trust of a unit bestowed upon its commander. It happened here during the January unit training assembly as Maj. William Chapman received the 434th Maintenance Squadron guidon from Col. Paul Weimer, 434th MXG commander, as he took command of the squadron. "I've been observing Bill (Chapman) for a couple years now, and he has stepped up and shined," said Weimer during the change of command ceremony. "I am very very proud of him." After accepting command Chapman expressed his enthusiasm about his newly accepted position. "I am honored to be appointed as your commander and I am humbled by your performance and accomplishments," he said. "Your actions speak volumes on the quality of you as an organization and to the quality of each of you who fill the ranks and do the hard work." Chapman said that he hopes to maintain the culture of excellence that the 434 MXS has demonstrated in the past while Maj. Mike Martini was commander. Prior to his assumption of command, Chapman was a 434th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron operations officer and has been in the Air Force Reserve for nearly five years. He also served in the regular Air Force for seven years and before receiving his officer commission served eight years in the Army National Guard as an enlisted combat engineer. Grissom is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
