August 2014 Commander's call

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Lindsey Sarah Watson-Kirwin, Public Affairs
  • JFHQ-MA
104th Fighter Wing, Westfield, Mass. --  The 104th Fighter Wing gathered Saturday afternoon in the main hangar to recognize the advancement and achievement of some of their brightest stars. The Commanders Call included the presentation of the Legion of Merit to Col. Kenneth Lambrich, the promotion of Col. Ann Ware, the Maintenance Operations Flight Change of Command from Maj. Jason Roberts to 1st Lt. Jason Hickox and the Assumption of Command Chief from Chief Todd Fappiano to Chief Maryanne Walts.

At some point in everyone's career they have heard, or will hear the following sentence, "the singularly distinctive accomplishments ... reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force." Col. Lambrich has set the example for that well known sentence. Lambrich was awarded the Legion of Merit for his service as the 104th Operations Group Commander from April 1, 2008 to January 23, 2013. Lambrich sets a shining example of effective leadership and has accomplished many achievements over the last six years with the 104th Fighter Wing, Barnes Air National Guard Base. Those accomplishments include, leading his team to the highest recorded grade during the 2011 combined Unit Compliance Inspection, serving as liaison to the Royal Jordanian Air Force during the first ever Air National Guard F-15C Theater Security Package, and serving as a member of the Air Dominance Weapons System Council. Col. Lambrich exemplifies the conduct all airmen strive for by aspiring to uphold the Air Force Core Values.

Next the Wing promoted Lt. Col. Ann Ware to the rank of colonel. Ware spoke briefly after her promotion about the people who helped her achieve her goals "Col. Costello I especially owe a debt to you, without you I wouldn't even be in the Air National Guard right now." She then went on to thank her family and the 104th Fighter Wing "you are a phenomenal group and I am especially proud to be a member of this organization."

Additionally, there was a change of command ceremony, where Maj. Jason Roberts relinquished command to 1st Lt. Jason Hickox. Although it is a brief ceremony, it is a public way for one officer to entrust another with the welfare of his unit and members. The enlisted equivalent of the change of command followed.

The Command Chiefs Change of Authority wrapped up the ceremony portion of the commanders call. Chief Todd Fappiano relinquished his authority to Chief Maryanne Walts. After the change of authority, Chief Fappiano thanked the 104th Fighter Wing for a great four years and Command Chief Ware thanked the members of the 104th Fighter Wing for their support, dedication and service.

Col. Jim Keefe, 104th Fighter Wing Commander, congratulated all those recognized and conveyed his confidence in them before getting down to business. Keefe reviewed the accomplishments of the unit in fiscal year 2014 and discussed some projections for fiscal year 2015. "We have a great team and I have full confidence in all of you," concluded Keefe.