Change of command doesn't mean change to wing

  • Published
  • By Maj. Shannon Mann
  • 916th Public Affairs Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  "I am here to support our people," said Col. Gregory S. Gilmour, wing commander of the 916th Air Refueling Wing. "This is a great wing and I just want to make sure I help them continue doing the jobs they already do."

Gilmour, a 26-year veteran of both the Navy and Air Force, has an extensive flying background, but this new wing commander understands it takes a lot more than just the flying community to accomplish mission success.

"Sections like security forces and civil engineers have huge jobs," he said. "They deploy in excess of six months when they go and we need to remember they leave behind employers and families too."

Gilmour has had his fair share of deployments. The wing he leaves behind is preparing to rotate into the location that the 916th ARW just left. Gilmour realizes reservists are hit with deployments and inspections in a never-ending cycle and he sees his new role as being a champion for the Reserve message and his people.

He explains in a military society that is focused on do more with less, the question from combatant commanders often asks "What have you done for me lately?" Gilmour will be the first to tell you that the Air Force Reserve is pulling their weight.

When my guys come in they have already worked a full-day somewhere else, he said. "How many people out there do that? Very few. And they are giving to their country to do that."

He explains that in today's day and age when reservists are seen as seamless with their active duty counterparts, we cannot forget the heritage that does make the drilling Reservist different.

"Our guys put their hands up. This is a second job -- a second full-time job ... and I don't think it's truly appreciated at some level," he said. "We are different. We're not better, we're just different."

He sees the differences each and every day. He knows that without family support, 916th reservists wouldn't be here. He knows that without employers support, 916th reservists wouldn't be here. He also knows that the tanker mission is one of the toughest out there.

"The tanker world is the blue collar worker. Nothing moves if we don't move," he said. "They don't go very far without us. The first thing the general is screaming for isn't a fighter. It's, 'Where is the tanker?'

This new commander plans to keep a steady course for the 916th ARW. With a major deployment behind the wing and several key inspections looming he thinks the wing is positioned for success.

"There are some things that need to be tweaked, but overall we'll do well," he said. "I have great group commanders and committed Airmen."

His style might be a little different than past commanders, but his focus is the same.

"I am loud. My dad was an artillery officer so it runs in the family," he jokes. "But in all seriousness this is a great wing with a solid reputation. I was really excited for this opportunity and I'm grateful to have the chance to lead this wing."