Photo By Master Sgt. Jonathon Alderman | Col. David Baczewski accepts command of the 158th Fighter Wing during a change of...... read more read more
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SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. -- With mixed emotions, hundreds of guardsmen of the 158th Fighter Wing looked on as Col. Douglas Fick solemnly handed the Wing guidon over to his successor, Col. David Baczewski, Jan. 8. This symbolic transfer of the mantle of wing commander commemorates the closing of a 4-year era where Fick has led the 158th through an arduous major inspection which put the base in the running as a candidate for the F-35.
In 2008, Fick said, the base was facing a lot of uncertainties. With the F-16’s phase-out looming, an upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection which the base had not done for over 10 years, and possible budget cuts from the government, there were a lot of issues to face as then, the new wing commander.
Not only did the Unit survive, it thrived. But Fick was quick to point out he didn’t single-handedly overcome each hurdle; he had the help of hundreds of people – the VTANG. “It’s a team,” he said. “I was in this office, but it’s the 1100 men and women of the Vermont Air National Guard that made it all possible.”
As one might expect, leaving the Command position and the people he loved and respected is one of the hardest things he’s ever had to do in his career. Fick said he looks forward to meeting new people and tackling different challenges in his new position as Director for the Joint Combined State Strategic Plan at Camp Johnson.
Fick didn’t have a role in choosing his successor but is quite pleased that Baczewski will be taking the reins. When asked how he would describe his replacement, Fick said, “He’s a team player, a mentor, and a leader. He has all the skill set he needs to do this job very well.”
Baczewski, meanwhile, said he was humbled to have been chosen along with a few others as a candidate for the position at all. The VTANG with its citizen-airmen concept is an organization close to his heart. The new wing commander, who had served 14 years on active duty before coming to the VTANG 10 years ago, said. “The National Guard, in general, is one of the finest things we have going in America.”
It’s a tradition he wants to see continue and thrive, growing in the Vermont community. He fully expects to reach the strategic goal of 100 percent manning levels within the next year or so. But, while it’s important to him, it’s not his priority – he knows that to have an excelling organization takes a large dose of commitment which can take a toll on family. He said his biggest concern is making sure that Vermont airmen families also feel like they are part of the VTANG family.
He said his daughter reminded him of this fact when he asked if she thought she might join. Her response was poignant of how military life can wear on family members: “Dad, I’ve been serving along with you my entire life.”
Airmen whose families have strong, friendly ties to the military will be able to serve better, Baczewski said. Family readiness, loved ones being prepared for what the Airman might be asked to do for his or her state or country is essential to the Wing being ready to execute assigned missions.
“Be ready.” If he had a mantra, he said, that would be it. The great things that VTANG has done for its state and country – being the first patrolling the skies after 9-11, helping during the Ice Storm, and bringing essential commodities to our friends, families and neighbors after the devastation of Tropical Storm Irene, have all been unexpected. Vermont airmen were effective because they were ready.
Baczewski loved his time as the operations group commander, but is eager to go from taking care of about 100 people to 1100 people. Stepping forward to assume his command is Col. David Smith. We wish both success at these career moves and, with affection, bid a heartfelt farewell to Colonel Fick as he moves onto his Joint Force Headquarters position.
| Date Taken: | 01.08.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 01.12.2012 12:26 |
| Story ID: | 82324 |
| Location: | SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT, US |
| Web Views: | 174 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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