HORSHAM AIR GUARD STATION, Pa.-- Lt. Col. Peter assumed command of the 103rd Attack Squadron (ATKS) from Lt. Col. Daryl during a change of command ceremony here, March 10th.
Col. John O’Brien, 111th Attack Wing Operations Group commander, presided over the event where family, friends and members of the 103rd ATKS gathered to celebrate and recognize this achievement.
“[Peter] is in before me and he’s shooting texts, letting me know what’s going on,” O’Brien said. “When I arrive, there’s always a group in his office.”
O’Brien stated that he cares very much for his troops, but feels he sometimes falls short at showing it. He commended Peter for his engaging personality -- always being there for others and extending himself to Airmen.
“Sometimes I get too focused on the mission at the expense of building those relationships,” O’Brien said. “But Peter gives me an example of how to express [myself] better.”
Tech. Sgt. Ethan Dewey, 111th Attack Wing analyst, emceed the event.
“I’ve been working with him for the past few years and seeing him in action, what he brings to the table and what he is capable of doing,” Dewey said. “His ability to connect with everybody is what I really think sets him apart.”
Connection is a key component in social fitness according to the Comprehensive Airman Fitness model for resilience. The Wing vision statement describes resilience as a means to mission success. The new squadron commander intents on keeping the mission – and the people -- at the forefront.
Peter stated he intends to continue forward on the current mission path, while extending on the great work of his predecessor.
“I would never say I will make it better,” Peter said. “But I will make it [the] best I can. I will make you all proud.”
And the new commander had a message for his outgoing counterpart, “[Daryl], I will still lean on you from time to time.”
With 18 years of service, Peter is new to Horsham Air Guard Station, but already feels he found a home. Prior to this assignment, he was a member of a refueling squadron with the Air Force Reserve Command.
“I get a good feeling when I come here,” Peter said. “I enjoy coming in every day and I never had that before.”
He spoke of the strong team surrounded him and thanked them for giving him a good reason to show up to work every day.
“You all are not just my co-workers or my Airmen,” he said, “You are also my friends.”