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Three changes of command transform 434th MXG

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Mota
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  Following a flurry of flag passing, a new era in maintenance began.

During three back-to-back-to-back changes of command ceremonies at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., Aug. 9, the completion of the 434th Maintenance Group took a dramatic transformation.

Major Amy Johannsen took command of the 434th Maintenance Squadron, Major John Valdez III took command of the 434th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and Capt. Theodore Karagias took command of the 434th Maintenance Operations Section. 

"This will be the best job you will ever have," said Col. Anna Schulte, 434th MXG commander, to the new commanders as she presided over the ceremony. "You have the vision for the unit, [your Airmen] will help you to see it; you set the goal, they will help you meet it." 

Despite being new to their job, each commander brought with them a history of excellence that could be seen in their past performance, said Schulte.

Prior to taking command of the 434th MXS, Johannsen, who holds a Master of Arts degree in organizational management from Ashford University, commanded the 434th MOF. Valdez, who has a Master's of Science degree in international management from Troy State University, was a quality assurance officer-in-charge in the 434th MXG. 

"Johannsen did an excellent job as commander of small section and is ready for the squadron level," explained Schulte. "Valdez also did an excellent job as a QA OIC working several issues regarding health of fleet and maintenance procedures."

Karagias, who holds a Master's Degree in human resource development from the University of Illinois, also comes from Grissom's 434th AMXS where he served as director of operations.

"This is Karagias' first command," added Schulte. "He has already impressed me with his step-up attitude in support of AMXS personnel and leadership in preparation and execution of upcoming exercises." 

The 434th MXG commander and staff are responsible for aircraft maintenance oversight and a variety of on-and-off aircraft maintenance support activities. 

"We have challenges still lying ahead of us; the [deployments and Air Force missions] will continue and demand that our personnel be ready both in their areas of expertise and their mobility requirements to answer the call," concluded Schulte. "To the maintenance group squadron commanders, present and future, I offer my heartfelt thanks and best wishes."

The 434th MXG is part of the 434th ARW, the largest KC-135R unit 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.

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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