Cox assumes command of Training and Education Center
MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. — Leadership of the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center changed hands during a change of command ceremony Thursday.
The traditional passing of the colors symbolized the change of leadership as Col. William J. Cox Jr.assumed command of the TEC from Col. Angela M. Tapia. Maj. Gen.Troy D. Havener, commander of the Air National Guard Readiness Center, presided over the ceremony.
“To the Total Force Airmen of the TEC, thank you for allowing me to lead,” Cox said. “I believe leading is serving and serving is leading, so please know that I am here to serve you.”
As TEC commander, Cox will oversee training and development across the Total Force and with partner nations. He will lead a team of more than 80 Airmen and civilian employees across three divisions focused on providing shared education and meeting the demands of current and innovative teaching techniques.
Before assuming command of the TEC, Cox served as senior executive officer to the acting director of the Air National Guard at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.
“Col. Tapia, I thank you for your selfless duty to our nation and the outstanding leadership and mentorship you have provided this organization over the past few years,” Cox said. “I am deeply grateful for your hospitality these last few weeks as you talked me through the details.”
After relinquishing command of the TEC, Tapia will retire after 33 years of military service.
“Col. Cox, I believe you are the right leader at the right time for the TEC,” Tapia said. “What excites me is your strategic mindset. General Brown founded this institution because he could see beyond what the Air National Guard was at the moment and envision what it needed to become. I believe the TEC is at another one of those moments.”
The I.G. Brown Training and Education Center includes three divisions: the Chief Master Sgt.Paul H. Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center, the TEC-University Video Production and Learning Development Division, and the Mission Support Division. Together, the divisions represent the Regular Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command and civilian workforce, working side by side to develop today’s Airmen for tomorrow’s fight.