71st MSG under new leadership

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  • By Public Affairs
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  The 71st Mission Support Group came under new leadership during a change of command ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday in Hangar 170.
Col. Christopher Thelen took command of the group from Col. Fred Cheney.
Colonel Thelen came to Team Vance following his duties as 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron commander at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Colonel Cheney moves to Hickam AFB, Hawaii, to join the Pacific Air Forces inspector general team.
"To the men and women of the 71st Mission Support Group, you're probably curious about me, and I can't wait to get to know you better," Colonel Thelen said. "My philosophy is simple: get the job done, do it safely and do it right, using the Air Force Core Values. Thank you for being here and take care."
Colonel Thelen graduated from the Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Illinois in 1982.
Colonel Thelen's assignments include a wing architect position in the 341st Civil Engineer Squadron, Malmstrom AFB, Mont.; civil engineering division chief in the 1956th Communications Group at Yokota Air Base, Japan; requirements and logistics chief in the 51st CES at Osan AB, Korea and in the 89th CES at Andrews AFB, Md.; program manager and executive officer for the Headquarters Air Mobility Command Directorate of Civil Engineering at Scott AFB, Ill.; 31st CES operations flight commander and squadron commander at Aviano AB, Italy; chief of support inspections for the Headquarters AMC Office of the Inspector General at Scott AFB; and 49th Material Maintenance Squadron commander and 49th Mission Support Group deputy commander at Holloman AFB, N.M.
Colonel Thelen's major awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster and the Air Force Achievement Medal.
Colonel Cheney thanked the wing, chapel staff, ceremony quartet, commanders, his family and others during the ceremony.
"To the 71st MSG, thanks for all you've done," he said. "Even in this time of war you've continued to push forward. I have enjoyed your enthusiasm that extends from the sports fields and continues to be apparent in the workplace. I wish you all the best of luck."