Sigler returns to Grissom, assumes command of 434th OG

Published March 19, 2015
By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Mota
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- One of the primary purposes of a change of command ceremony is to let troops know who a commander was, but during a recent ceremony the incoming commander was not an unfamiliar face.

Col. Mark Sigler took command of the 434th Operations Group during a special ceremony held here March 7.

Col. Doug Schwartz, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander, presided over the ceremony and said he is excited to have Sigler back at Grissom.

"I couldn't be happier to have Sigler back with his expertise and knowledge," said Schwartz. "I don't think there is anyone in our command who has more KC-135 experience than he does, so we are all very fortunate that he is here."

Sigler echoed the same excitement Schwartz expressed regarding his return to Grissom.

"I'm just really thrilled to be here; I honestly believe that the 434th Air Refueling Wing is the best refueling wing in the Air Force Reserve Command," said Sigler. "People don't come to Grissom and stay for years or even decades because of the beaches or the mountains or the wonderful weather; they come here because of the people.

"The asset of the people here at Grissom is amazing," added Sigler. "I'm very happy to be back, and I look forward to working with all of you."

During the ceremony, Sigler outlined his priorities for the 434th OG including the importance of their primary mission, flying the KC-135R.

"The most important thing we do in the operations group is fly airplanes," he said. "No matter all the other things that are tugging at us, flying KC-135s is our center, and we need to stay focused on that mission."

In addition to conducting refueling missions, Sigler also reminded his Airmen of the importance of safety and professionalism.

"We need to always be safe and professional; you are going to hear that from me again and again," he said. "Everyone in the operations group no matter who you are, what you do, or what rank you are, you contribute to that [safety and professionalism]."

Sigler also expressed his gratitude to the mentorship Schwartz provided him throughout his career.

"I'd like to recognize, and thank Col. Schwartz; not only is he responsible for me being here, he's responsible for me being anywhere at any moment wearing a blue uniform," explained Sigler. "Colonel Schwartz recruited me into the Air Force Reserve, and then at Grissom and has been my mentor all these many years on this amazing adventure."

Grissom is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the AFRC, as well as three Army Reserve units. Airmen, Soldiers and Marines routinely deploy from Grissom around the world in support of the Department of Defense mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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Assumption of command

Sigler speaks to guests

Sigler returns to Grissom, assumes command of 434th OG

Public Affairs Staff