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Buckley to lead 434th ARW

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  The Air Force Reserve has selected Col. Donald Buckley to take command of the 434th Air Refueling Wing June 1.

Buckley, who is currently the 919th Operations Group commander at Duke Field, Fla., will ceremoniously take command of the "Hoosier Wing" during a special event May 19. He is taking over for Col. William T. "Tim" Cahoon, who is retiring the following day.

Grissom Airmen can expect to see Buckley between now and June 1 as he has a cross-over period with Cahoon to assist with the transition.

Shortly after graduating from Texas Tech University, Buckley received his commission and began his Air Force career in 1987. He has since served in numerous flying positions in airlift and special operations related assignments.

A command pilot with more than 5,000 hours, Buckley has flown the T-37, T-38, C-130E, C-22B, C-18A, C-32A, MC-130E, WC-130J and C-130J aircraft and has deployed in support of Operations Just Cause, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Uphold Democracy, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker 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