Brig. Gen David Weishaar assumed command of the Kansas Air National Guard, and became the assistant adjutant general for air, during a change of command ceremony held at Forbes Field Air National Guard Base, Topeka, on May 6. Weishaar replaced outgoing commander, Brig. Gen. Jay Selanders.
“Our new commander, Brigadier General Weishaar, brings a wealth of experience and he’s got the right leadership at the right time to meet the challenges that we have facing our Guard, facing our military and facing our nation,” said Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, adjutant general, Kansas National Guard.
Weishaar had been promoted to brigadier general at McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, the day prior to the change of command ceremony. He was the commander of the 184th Intelligence Wing.
“He brings a unique perspective, a proven track record of leadership,” said Tafanelli, “and I know that the Airmen out here and the Airmen in the state will have no greater advocate for their well-being and their sense of purpose, than in Brigadier General Weishaar.”
Weishaar spent his entire career at McConnell Air Force Base. He joined the Air Force in 1981 and transitioned to the Kansas Air National Guard in 1985.
His experience includes an enlisted career as an aircraft maintainer, during which he climbed the ranks from airman basic, E-1, to senior master sergeant, E-8, before earning a commission in 1996.
As an officer, he served in many different arenas at flight, squadron, group and wing levels.
“Brigadier General Weishaar is one of those rare individuals that has served as an enlisted member, as a noncommissioned officer, and has held 16 different ranks in our Air Force,” said Tafanelli.
Selanders assured the crowd that Weishaar was the right man for the job.
“You get a commander that has the depth of expertise. He’s had many AFSCs, he knows how to get his hands dirty, he can fix airplanes, he can grab Intel and I know that he can lead you,” said Selanders.
Understanding the significance of the enlisted force, Weishaar directed a portion of his comments toward enlisted personnel.
“To the enlisted Airmen, 85 percent of you make up our team. I’m excited to continue to be part of your team. I’ll always be part of your team,” said Weishaar. “It’s the culture you’ve established as the enlisted corps that makes the wing happen.”
“Thank you for what you do. You drive mission readiness, you drive effective manning and you drive end strength,” said Weishaar.
He then emphasized the significant role each Kansas Air National Guardsman plays in global, national and state-level operations.
“As National Guardsmen we have a dual mission set,” said Weishaar. “It’s vital that we don’t forget that. If we forget that, we lose our identity as a National Guard.”
“Our Kansas Air National Guard is engaged in global missions every day of the week,” said Weishaar. “Air refuelers are the backbone of global reach. Cyberspace is used to execute, enhance and support Air Force core missions. [Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance] is integral to global missions, global reach and global power. Obviously, as a state and as Kansas Airmen, we’re involved.”
To make a global impact, Weishaar expressed the need to improve as individuals.
“No matter how good we are, we can get better,” said Weishaar. “I will challenge each and every one of you to get better every day. I also challenge you to make a difference.”
He laid out his formula for success.
“I also have to ask each and every one of you to do what your parents probably told you to do: accept responsibility, fulfill your duties, tell the truth and remain faithful to your words. Use that and the Air Force core values and you’ve got now choice except to be successful,” said Weishaar.
To end his comments, Weishaar expressed his enthusiasm for his upcoming responsibilities.
“I’m very excited about this position, I’m very excited about the Kansas Air National Guard and the opportunities that we have ahead of us,” said Weishaar. “Let’s go do this together.”
Following the ceremony, Selanders retired from the military with more than 34 years of service. He’s the former vice commander of the 190th Air Refueling Wing at Forbes Field Air National Guard Base, Topeka.
“I want to say thank you for the opportunity to serve with you,” said Selanders.
| Date Taken: | 05.06.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 05.14.2018 11:01 |
| Story ID: | 276908 |
| Location: | TOPEKA, KS, US |
| Web Views: | 43 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Weishaar assumes command of KSANG, by MSgt Matthew Mccoy, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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