New IG ready to serve Grissom Airmen

Published July 20, 2016
By Staff Sgt. Jami Lancette
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- From enlisted fuels technician to officer and now inspector general for an aerial refueling wing, Grissom’s newest colonel hits the ground running and is honored to serve Grissom Airmen.

Col. Susan Maki took over as inspector general here July 1 and brought with her a wide range of knowledge and leadership to help Airmen.

“I am honored to be selected for the job at Grissom,” said Maki. “I’m here to serve the Airmen and ensure that everyone’s rights are protected, so they can focus on the mission.”

The primary mission of an Air Force IG is to enhance discipline, readiness and war fighting capability by alerting commanders to systemic issues affecting the organization.

To accomplish this, an IG manages complaint resolution processes and utilizes fact-finding methodologies. They also train unit members about the IG process as well as fraud, waste and abuse issues.

“My goal is to always look for opportunities to educate members, and I welcome any suggestions,” said Maki.

Helping prepare her for her new assignment, Maki has held a variety of leadership roles in the Air Force that has provided a diverse knowledge base including personnel officer commander, command control officer, logistics readiness officer and force support squadron commander.

“My force support background is complemented by my logistics experience,” said Maki. “I’ve also worked in aerial port, base supply, fuel operations and I deployed in a logistics readiness role.

“These experiences, plus being prior enlisted, should help me to connect with Airmen and to better understand situations,” added Maki.

In addition to her military accomplishments, Maki earned her bachelor degree in business administration and her master’s degree in liberal studies both from the University of Minnesota, Duluth.

“My intention is to work with the group commanders and to visit each one of the squadrons to introduce myself,” said Maki. “My plan is to be out and about as much as possible.

“I’m here to support our airmen and work to maintain the most positive working environment for everyone here,” Maki added.

Maki can be reached by visiting her office on the second floor of building 596 as well as via email and phone 688-2270.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.

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Lt. Col. Maki Official Photo

New IG ready to serve Grissom Airmen

Public Affairs Staff