Schwartz excited for future, return home

Published June 6, 2014
By Col. Doug Schwartz
434th ARW commander

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Since its inception in the early days of World War II, the 434th has carried on a tradition of honor and a legacy of valor throughout each generation.

That tradition has been faithfully upheld to this day by the great Citizen Airmen of the Hoosier Wing! I am extremely excited and humbled to be able to take command of the Wing.

The reputation of the 434th ARW, both past and present, extends around the globe, as it is known for its unfaltering commitment to integrity, service and excellence.

Over the last couple years, I know the wing has proven itself in real-world operations, exercises and inspections.

Most recently, the unit deployed four aviation packages in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where our aviators flew nearly 400 sorties, amassing more than 2,000 combat hours and offloading 6.8 million pounds of fuel to receiver aircraft. Even to this day we have Airmen deployed around the globe in support of ongoing operations.

On top of supplying combatant commanders with the highest-level of combat-ready Airmen, the 434th ARW has continuously upheld its zero-fail mission in providing KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft on alert, around-the-clock in support of the U.S. Strategic Command, as well as performed emergency management missions vital to both our national defense and our community.

For all of these accomplishments and more, the 434th ARW has been lauded time and time again with awards such as the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Air Force Reserve Command's Heroism of the Year Award, and the Air Force Reserve's Outstanding OSS Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Unit of the Year to name a recent few. These awards are only handed out to the very best, which is exactly what we have at Grissom.

It is also worth noting that all of these accomplishments were achieved in spite of difficult financial times. The Wing has weathered the challenges of ongoing Budget Continuing Resolutions, Sequestration and Furloughs. While I wish I could say things are going to get easier, I know the Air Force is expecting more from its reserve component than it ever has before.

Today, every single reservist is vitally important to our national defense, and we will need continue to need 434th ARW members to step up and answer the call just as they have so many times before. As a former 434th ARW Airman, I know what this unit is capable of and have complete faith and confidence in its ability to do whatever is asked of it.

Not only is it an honor and privilege to command this outstanding wing, Ann and I are elated to return back home to the great state of Indiana!

I've heard them say once you leave home, you can never go back. While I don't know who 'they' are, I know they can't be right. I've kept in close contact with many 434th ARW members since I left, and I never felt far away from home. And, since it was announced I would be returning, the outpouring of Hoosier hospitality has warmed my heart. Truly, there is no place like home, and I'm glad to be coming back.

I cannot wait to serve as the 434th ARW commander, and I know that we will continue to accomplish great things, just as those who came before us did!

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Schwartz excited for future, return home

Public Affairs Staff