NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas -- Presiding officer, Maj. Gen. Dawn Ferrell, Texas Air National Guard commander, took time to express her appreciation of Suelzer’s leadership during his tenure.
“The 136th Airlift Wing has a very strong history of mission accomplishment, safety and taking care of its Airmen,” said Ferrell. “ So today, as we say goodbye to Col. Suelzer, we thank you [Col. Suelzer] for the huge difference you made in getting the 136AW ready for the things that they have been called upon to do.”
Before officially passing the wing guidon, symbolically handing command over to McGraw, Suelzer shared some last thoughts with the men and women of the 136AW.
“To the Airmen of the 136th Airlift Wing, it has been a great, great honor to be your commander,” said Suelzer. “Your nation asks a lot of you, the wing asks a lot of you, and you exceed expectations every single time.
“…My time as your commander is nearly up, so let me close by simply saying thanks. I bid you fond farewell. Nulli Secundus.”
McGraw returned to the wing, where he was a member from March 2001 to March 2017. His previous assignment he served as the director of operations where he was responsible to the Texas Air National Guard commander on all matters pertaining to the direct operational planning, training, deployment and employment of more than 3,000 Airmen in three flying wings and five geographically separated units.
As the new wing commander, McGraw stated that, after almost 18 years of being a part of the wing, he was happy to come home and be among the courteous, professional and resourceful members of the 136AW.
“Over the years I had many opportunities to see our human capital at work,” said McGraw. “You have made this wing the best of the best for many years and it will be you who ensure we are ready and prepared to meet the needs of our state and nation – now, and in the future. Whatever the challenge, you always exceed expectations and I am confident that will be our future.”
During Ferrell’s address, she also expressed her enthusiasm and confidence in McGraw’s ability to lead the wing into the future.
“I am very proud of this wing – you have a strong, bright future – and I know Col. McGraw is the right person to take this next step as we work towards new mission sets, and I appreciate you stepping up to do the job.”
The 136th Airlift Wing is one of three flying units in the Texas Air National Guard with a mission to provide highly trained, equipped and motivated military forces for worldwide combat and peacetime tasking supporting the State of Texas and the Nation. The wing flies and maintains six C-130 aircraft - an all-purpose vehicle, cargo and personnel transport.