Ballas takes command of the 434th CES Published Dec. 10, 2015 By Senior Airman Katrina Heikkinen 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- 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 up with military tradition, Lt. Col. James Ballas, accepted the guidon and command of the 434th Civil Engineer Squadron during a change of command ceremony here Dec. 5. "It's the honor of my career to serve in our Air Force as a squadron commander and lead the 434th CES," Ballas said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Team Grissom, the 434th Mission Support Group, and advance the civil engineer and emergency forces mission." Ballas previously served at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, before coming to the Hoosier state. "I'm excited about the 434th ARW mission and Grissom's reputation of taking care of its people," he said. "I have been very fortunate throughout my career to work for commanders that prioritized the mission and our Airmen as the core focus. When we take care of our people and empower them with the right resources and opportunities, they accomplish amazing things." The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft 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.
