New vice commander ready to get hands dirty Published Oct. 3, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Many people who are promoted to management positions are happy to leave behind some of the 'grunt' work, but for the new 434th Air Refueling Wing vice commander, he's looking forward to diving back into the thick of it. Col. Bryan Reinhart took over as the unit's number-two man this year after spending the last two years standing up the 604th Command and Control Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. "That was a tough job," Reinhart explained about his time as commander of the 604th CCS. "Standing up a squadron from scratch was a real challenge, but I totally enjoyed it." Prior to that assignment, the colonel spent time working at 4th Air Force at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., and as an admissions liaison officer at the Air Force Academy, Colo. Despite the rewarding challenges offered by those jobs, the thing he said he missed most during that time was flying. "Flying is a part of my definition of who I am," elaborated Reinhart, who also had to take a hiatus as a commercial airlines pilot during his time in Arizona. "Being out of the tanker for that many years, it was a little surreal getting back into it with all the familiar sights, sounds and smells of the mighty KC-135. "It's like going from a white-collar job back to my blue collar roots," he added. "I like getting my hands dirty, and flying is a little like that." And while the colonel missed flying during his time in the arid Arizona desert, his family missed something a little closer to home and a bit chillier. "My family and I were ecstatic that we were able to move back to our hometown in Ohio," he explained. "We're looking forward to our first snow." Looking at his new job, Reinhart said his goal is to be the best right-hand man for Col. William T. "Tim" Cahoon, the 434th ARW commander, by serving with honor and purpose, embracing the unit's goals, and fostering communication between people and the unit. And while the colonel said people should expect the best from him, he expects the best from them in return. "Simply do your job to your best ability," Reinhart said. "You were hired and trained for your skills and talents; you need to do your job in good character, as if your life depended on it, because maybe that day your life doesn't, but someone else's might." Reinhart wrapped up his comments stating he wants wing personnel to know he has an open door to people and their issues. "I'll be both attentive and decisive," he concluded. "Just ask me." To read Reinhart's biography, click here. The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Twitter and Facebook.
