Change of command completed at Ebbing Air National Guard Base

FORT SMITH SOUTHWEST TIMES RECORD
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U.S. Air Force Col. Dillon R. Patterson on Monday assumed command of the 188th Wing from Col. JeremiahS. Gentry at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith.

Gentry is retiring after more than 20 years of military service. A change of command ceremony was held at Ebbing Air National Guard Base.

The ceremony was attended by members of the 188th Wing, guests and community leaders. The ceremony began with the arrival of the official party, which included Gentry and Patterson.

U.S. Air Force Col. Dillon R. Patterson salutes 188th Wing members, now under his command, during the change of command ceremony at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas, June 11, 2023. Col. Patterson assumes command as the 17th wing commander, following Col. Jeremiah Gentry. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emmanuel Gutierrez
U.S. Air Force Col. Dillon R. Patterson salutes 188th Wing members, now under his command, during the change of command ceremony at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas, June 11, 2023. Col. Patterson assumes command as the 17th wing commander, following Col. Jeremiah Gentry. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emmanuel Gutierrez

Arkansas Air National Guard Commander Brig. Gen. William M. Leahy, presiding at the ceremony, commented on the significance of the event.

“Colonel Patterson has an ace in the hole, and that is (the) 1,079 airmen of the 188th Wing,” Leahy said.

Gentry, who served as the 188th Wing commander with distinction for two years, said he was thankful for the opportunity to lead the unit and he highlighted the accomplishments airmen have made, according to a news release from Ebbing Air Base.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: A change of command has been made at Ebbing Air National Guard Base.