Reservists from the 944th Fighter Wing gathered at Luke Air Force Base Oct. 25, to witness the newest squadron leader assume command.
Maj. Melissa Greene, 944th Force Support Squadron commander, received the squadron guidon from Col. Paul Theisen, 944th Mission Support Group commander, during an assumption of command ceremony thus assuming control of the unit.
The mission of the 944th FSS is, “To train all assigned reservists to perform military personnel, family readiness, services and communication functions for worldwide deployments in support of Air Force requirements.” During the ceremony, Greene spoke about how the FSS mission effects the entire wing.
“Everything we do directly impacts the men and women of the 944th FW, from processing their first enlistment paperwork to issuing their retirement orders, from ensuring they have a hot meal and a place to lay their head at night, from safeguarding our computers and our phone systems to ensuring our Airmen have everything they need before they head downrange for a deployment,” Greene said. “Every day, we touch Airmen in the beginning and in the end of their careers and many times in between.”
Greene emphasized to her fellow Airmen what she considers to be the squadron’s greatest asset: people.
“People are the Air Force’s primary mission,” she said. “Our charge in the FSS is to take care of those people, our fellow Airmen. Should we remember that every day, we will continue to improve as we find new and creative ways to overcome any obstacle in the way of accomplishing that mission.”
Through tears, Greene also took the opportunity to thank her mother, sister and sister-in-arms for their support and for helping shape her into the officer she is today.
Greene went on to add that respect is the key to success in the Air Force.
“Aside from the core values that we promised to uphold, I want you to remember three things each day as you accomplish your tasks: respect yourself, respect others and respect the institution that we work for. If we keep this in mind, if we work with the intent of doing just this, we will continue to grow and be successful as an organization,” she said.
Theisen offered a few words of encouragement to his group’s newest squadron commander.
“Command is an art,” he said. “It can’t be explained, but it is easy to identify when it’s done well.
“Command is also very intimidating,” he said. “You will question yourself but you must make tough decisions and live with them.”
As she looks forward to leading her new team, Greene is confident her squadron possesses the right people and tools to get the job done.
“We have a wonderful group people with a sense of purpose,” Greene said. “It’s going to be a challenge balancing our resources but we have to be strategic about it. At the end of the day, we’re going to get the mission done.
“I’m very excited and also humbled and honored to be here,” she said. “I know we’ll come out successful.”
