Burr assumes command of 74th ARS Published June 17, 2015 By By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Mota 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 squadrons from one officer to another in a long-held tradition. Lt. Col. Brian Burr was given command of the 74th Air Refueling Squadron as Lt. Col. James West relinquished command of the unit during a ceremony here June 6. Col. Mark Sigler, 434th Operations Group commander, who presided over the ceremony, welcomed Burr and expressed excitement for Burr's new role at Grissom. "I'm looking forward to working with (Burr)," said Sigler. "I know he is going to be awesome and will have a lot of fun." Looking ahead, Burr who received his commission in 1996 from the United States Air Force Academy, said he is excited to take on his new position and the responsibilities that come with it. "I'm excited to be here," said Burr. "When it comes time to do work (Grissom) does it, and they do it really well." In his new role, Burks will be responsible for the operational training and overall management of a KC-135R Stratotanker squadron, operating eight aircraft and its unique role supporting both the single integrated operational plan and conventional tanker missions. "A squadron commander, in my opinion, is the best job in the Air Force, because it provides you the maximum interception between people and mission," explained Sigler. "It's the only time in an officer's career that you will have as close of contact with folks and the things we do every day that are so important." During his speech, Burr, a Carmel, Ind. native, noted that he is looking forward to working with the people at Grissom. "You guys are selfless, you take care of each other, you guys are honorable, you like to have fun and you do your jobs well," said Burr. "I am extremely humbled and honored to be your commander," Burr is a senior pilot with more than 4,800 flight hours and has deployed in support of Operations Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The 74th ARS is part of the 434th Air Refueling Wing, 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. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
