Paying it Forward: Volunteers All, Into the Wild Blue Yonder!
I joined the 469th Fighting Bulls Change of Command ceremony recently at Sheppard Air Force Base. Change of Commands are a common military tradition marking an end and a new beginning as the mission responsibility passes to the next leader.
Col. Jan Gloystein, Group Commander shared frank comments offering great insight into why the work done by his Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training 80th Operation Group is so important. We are in troubled times, with not only Ukraine but “20 full-fledged wars tracked by UN.” Gloystein offered some good news, NATO has been enlarged “by one more proud nation – Finland, hoping Sweden will soon follow.”
His comments noted NATO must sustain and support Ukraine as Russia launches new offensives and mobilizes more troops. While Russia reaches out to Iran and North Korea for even more weapons, concerns build that China may provide lethal support.
The second lesson is that NATO must continue to strengthen its deterrence and defense.
Gloystein’s ENJJPT group mission does just this as the world's only multi-nationally manned and managed flying training program producing combat pilots for 14 proud NATO Partner Nations.
After two years in command, we say farewell to BULL ONE – Lt. Col. Aaron “Blitz” Kiser and his family. He is an experienced F15E Strike Eagle Pilot with over 2,900 flying hours, three combat deployments and almost 500 combat flying hours. Under his leadership the mighty BULLS ranked number 1 of 4 UPT (Undergraduate Pilot Training) squadrons in 2022 in our Wing, ensured the development of 146 fine new winged combat aviators and over 43 new instructor pilots across ENJJPT.
Col. Gloystein also recognized Blitz’s leadership in connecting with the community with a few examples. Café Con Leche’s Road to College students joined the 469th in a discussion followed by simulator time. The 469th hosted a local Scout Troop for their aviation merit badges. Southwest Rotary enjoyed fellowship with “Blitz” and others from the 469th during events.
In transferring command to Lt. Col. Paul Wruk, Col. Gloystein shared this advice: Lead with vision, instinct, care, intuition, communication, transparency, and trust. We look forward to the continued success of the 469th.
Monday, Memorial Day, please join in remembering the sacrifices of innumerable individuals who gave their lives to preserve the freedoms all Americans enjoy.
Free Ukraine
Service Above Self,
Mr B MrB@NewCollarCoach.com
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Paying it Forward: Volunteers All, Into the Wild Blue Yonder!
