916th farewell: Co. Randall Ogden's airmen have reason to be proud

Col. Randall Ogden is moving on after a couple years of service as the commander of the 916th Air Refueling Wing.

And while he has been the wing's leader at a time when the Reserve unit has earned many honors -- for which he deserves a great measure of credit, too -- he is quick to point out that the true heroes, and those who have made this wing as storied as it has become, are the airmen who serve with such skill and honor every day.

Col. Ogden is right. Wayne County should be as proud of its Reserve wing as it is of the jets of the 4th Fighter Wing that take off and land every day on the runways.

Without fuel, there would be no sorties and or heroes. And without the men and women who make sure it gets there -- and who transport wounded and supplies -- there would be no mission either.

Col. Ogden, although he is leaving soon, will not pass on the wing's guidon for a couple more weeks.

But when he does, he will be passing on a legacy of excellence that he inherited -- and brought to even greater heights.

And there is no question that the new commander, Col. Gregory Gilmour, will continue that tradition and lead his airmen to even more accolades.

It is easy to focus on the activities of the 4th Fighter Wing. Active duty units are usually the ones that get the most attention -- it is just the way it is.

But this community is lucky to be the home of a Reserve unit that is equally as accomplished and with airmen who are as devoted to the service of their country.

Col. Ogden has left the 916th in superior shape and with plenty to be proud of. There is no doubt that the men and women who serve along with him, and the 916th's new commander, will make sure it stays that way.

Published in Editorials on July 26, 2012 12:08 PM