Gibson accepts command of the 71st Mission Support Group

  • Published
  • By Joe B. Wiles
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Col. Thomas Gibson accepted command of the 71st Mission Support Group at Vance AFB during a ceremony held July 17 in Hangar 199. His wife, Nancy, daughters Jessica and Mary Beth and son Drew attended. 

He replaced Col. Jennifer Graham, the 71st MSG commander for the past two years, who retired from active duty. 

The presiding official, Col. Chris Nowland, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander, presented Colonel Gibson with the group guidon, signifying the transfer of command. 

Colonel Gibson received his first salute as commander from a formation of Airmen from the four squadrons of the 71st MSG: the 71st Communications Squadron, the 71st Security Forces Squadron, the 71st Logistics Readiness Squadron and the 71st Force Support Squadron. 

Included in the salute were siren wails from Security Forces and fire department vehicles - and the enthusiastic barking of Roy, a military working dog. 

In her final words as commander of the 71st MSG, Colonel Graham told the Airmen assembled in front of the stage, "It has been my personal and professional privilege to work with, and learn from, all of you -- everyone here at Team Vance." 

She turned and spoke directly to Colonel Gibson. "Tim, today I hand you a team of Airmen who love their country and are committed to the mission. I promise you they will take care of you." 

After accepting command, Colonel Gibson addressed the gathering. 

"I'm looking forward to joining Enid, America," he said. "I'm looking forward to being so close to the Air Force mission - to fly, fight and win." 

He pointed at the firefighting truck just outside the hangar door and said, "I hope there's some hands-on driver training involved in this job." 

Colonel Gibson is a 1988 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He comes to Vance from the Pentagon where he served as the senior executive assistant to the Director for Logistics, Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

Colonel Graham's mother and step-father, Janice Clark and Ben Clark, attended the ceremony. Her brothers, Marine Col. John Graham and family and Jason Avery also were present. 

Enid's mayor, the Honorable John Criner and wife, Cheryl, were among the distinguished community leaders attending the change of command. 

Vance's Silver Talon Honor Guard posted the colors during the ceremony. The Vance Trio - Martha Harris, Jean Null and Regina York - sang the national anthem. Chaplain (Maj.) Michael Martin gave the invocation. 

Lt. Col. David Stewart, the 71st MSG deputy commander, was the ceremony's commander of troops. First Lt. Jennifer Colby narrated.