Photo By Capt. Jason Carr | Lt Col Shawn P Reynolds assumes command of the 107 Operations Group, July 31, 2026,...... read more read more
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NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. — Airmen assigned to the 107th Attack Wing welcomed a new operations leader as Lt. Col. Shawn P. Reynolds, of Pendleton NY, assumed command of the 107th Operations Group during a ceremony at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.
Reynolds took command from Col. Christopher H. Weisshaar, who assumed command of the 107th Attack Wing in March.
“Being selected to command the Operations Group is a tremendous privilege, and my focus now is on earning the trust that comes with that responsibility,” Reynolds said.
As group commander, Reynolds is responsible for leading and developing 380 Airmen assigned to the 136th Attack Squadron and 107th Operations Squadron, as well as the group’s two geographically separated units: the 274th Air Support Operations Squadron in Syracuse, New York, and the 222nd Command and Control Squadron in Rome, New York.
Reynolds said the new responsibility is humbling.
“I’m incredibly proud to be a Guardsman and especially proud to be part of the 107th,” he said. “It has given me friendships, opportunities, mentors and a sense of purpose that I will always be grateful for.”
Reynolds enlisted in the New York Air National Guard in 1997 as a member of Security Forces. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University at Buffalo and commissioned as a second lieutenant in 2001.
Since then, Reynolds has accumulated more than 3,800 flying hours across six different aircraft, flown 280 combat sorties and served in several leadership positions at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse.
In 2016, Reynolds became the first MQ-9 pilot from the wing to perform launch and recovery operations in support of Operation Odyssey Lightning, a U.S.-led campaign in Sirte, Libya, that included 495 precision strikes against Islamic State forces.
His most recent deployment was to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, where he served in the A3 Operations Directorate with the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing during the first all-Air National Guard deployment.
Reflecting on more than 25 years of service, Reynolds said the most important leadership traits include listening, communicating clearly, setting expectations and standing with Airmen during challenging times.
“I’ve had the opportunity to serve in a lot of different positions and work with Airmen at every level,” Reynolds said. “I think that perspective will serve me well as a commander.”
Reynolds also commended the dedication of the Airmen he now leads, and the commitment of National Guard members as a whole.
“They leave their civilian jobs, families and lives to answer the call when their nation or their state needs them,” Reynolds said. “That’s a remarkable commitment, and I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to serve alongside them.”
During his closing remarks, Reynolds challenged the Airmen of the 107th Operations Group to be fearless in the face of challenges, remain willing to learn and take pride in serving as Guardsmen.
“The Air National Guard gives people an incredible opportunity to serve their country and their state,” Reynolds said.
“Take pride in what you do and take care of the people around you. Don’t underestimate the impact you can have, regardless of your rank or position.”
| Date Taken: | 07.31.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.13.2026 13:19 |
| Story ID: | 572335 |
| Location: | NIAGARA FALLS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AIR RESERVE STATION, NEW YORK, US |
| Hometown: | PENDLETON, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 15 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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