Changes Continue at 158th FW as New Commander is Welcomed

Photo By Julie Paroline | Col. David Shevchik Jr., incoming commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, takes the wing guidon from Army Brig. Gen. Greg Knight, adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, symbolizing the assumption of command of the wing during a change of command ceremony, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Shevchik takes command of the wing from Col. David Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Miss Julie M. Shea)  

SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT, UNITED STATES

01.05.2020

Story by Julie Paroline 

158th Fighter Wing

On Sunday, January 5, Airmen assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing welcomed their new wing commander, Col. David Shevchik Jr. during a change of command ceremony at the Vermont Air National Guard Base in South Burlington, Vermont. Outgoing commander, Col. David Smith, retired after serving for more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard.

“As the first Air National Guard F-35 wing commander, Smitty [Col. Smith] I truly don't have words that are sufficient to thank you for everything you've done for us, for our state and for our nation,” said Army Brig. Gen. Gregory Knight, adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, addressing Smith.

Incoming commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Shevchik, proudly addressed an audience of nearly 1,000 Airmen, family, friends, and community members in his closing remarks.

“I couldn't be more proud to be in this with you and serve alongside you as your commander. To the 158th Fighter Wing team... there is no team that I would rather be facing the future with than you,” said Shevchik.

• Date Taken: 01.05.2020
• Date Posted: 01.07.2020 15:16
• Story ID: 358381
• Location: SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT, US