Welcome commander to 452nd Mission Support Group

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U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Russell S. McMillan

The 452nd Mission Support Group held a promotion and Assumption of Command ceremony at the Cultural Resource Center here Saturday, Feb. 20.

Col. Arthur J. Rodi’s family members joined him on stage to pin on his new rank, after which Brig. Gen. Russell A. Muncy, commander, 452nd Air Mobility Wing, March Air Reserve Base, passed the 452nd MSG guidon to Rodi, who accepted as the group’s new commander.

Muncy highlighted Rodi’s breadth of leadership experience, including but not limited to squadron, wing and headquarters levels.

“You look at [Rodi’s biography]…eight years on active duty before he joined the Air Force Reserve, off to headquarters Air Force Reserve Command at one point,” said Muncy, as he referred to Rodi’s seven assignments spanning both the East and West Coasts. “What I saw from the work, though, is someone who makes things happen.”

Rodi has served nearly 40 years in the military, including attaining the rank of Chief Master Sgt. before commissioning as a 2nd Lt. through the Deserving Airman Commissioning Program in 1998.

Rodi thanked senior leadership, family and friends who flew from Canada to attend and fellow Airmen during the ceremony. He particularly thanked Tara, his wife of 22 years, for all the sacrifices she made to support him.

“My wife Tara has been by my side every step of the way and is representative of all the many spouses who are the unsung heroes of our military,” said Rodi. “None of this would have been possible without you by my side,” he said to his wife.

Rodi also reflected on the road ahead and the role he intended to play with supporting his Airmen.

“I am grateful and honored to be standing here before you…but this isn’t about me,” said Rodi. “This is about you…this is about giving the men and women of the MSG a leader. I will do my utmost to serve you, the Airmen, civilians, tenant and community partners and families that make up Team March.”

“I know your family is proud; I know your friends are proud; but I am exceptionally proud of what you have accomplished in this career,” said Muncy. “You are such an inspiration to so many people. I hope that they can see in you what they want to become.”

Rodi’s promotion to the rank of Col. and appointment as commander of the 452nd MSG were effective Feb. 7, 2016.