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Garvelink assumes command of 434th SFS

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Mota
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  For centuries, assumption of command ceremonies have allowed 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 Maj. Matthew Garvelink assumed command of the 434th Security Forces Squadron during a ceremony here Feb. 6.

"I've heard nothing but good things about this unit, and I love the Midwest," said Garvelink. "I've been stationed all over the world, and I'm excited to be the commander at a base that's just two and a half hours from where I grew up!"

The Michigan native came to Grissom approximately six months ago as the 434th SFS operations officer before being selected for his new role.

"He has only been here a short time, but he came to us with a lot of experience and has really impressed us with his leadership and dedication to the mission," said Col. Scott Russell, 434th Mission Support Group commander, who presided over the ceremony. "He is a phenomenal leader and hit the ground running from day one."

That work ethic and commitment to the mission was echoed as Garvelink discussed future plans for the 434th SFS.

"I really want to see this squadron grow as a team," explained Garvelink. "The unit has a lot of really smart people doing a really good job but we can always do better."

The 434th SFS consists of Active Guard Reserve, traditional reservists, civilians and Air Force reserve technicians that work together to accomplish the mission.

"I want to remove any conscious or unconscious separation between civilians, ARTs, reservists and AGRs because we are all the same team," he said. "Teams win, individuals loose." 

Garvelink left the regular Air Force in April 2015; he previously commanded the 435th Security Forces Squadron at Pulaski Barracks, Sembach and Baumholder Kaserne, Germany.

He holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in criminal justice from Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan and a Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology from Hope College, Holland, Michigan.

The 434th SFS is part of the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. 434th ARW Airmen and aircraft routinely deploy 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