Reserve wing welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Steve Lewis
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Col. Randal L. Bright assumed leadership of the 512th Airlift Wing during a change of command ceremony here June 9. 

Colonel Bright replaces Col. Ronald A. Rutland, who took a position with 22nd Air Force.
Presiding over the ceremony was 22nd AF Commander Maj. Gen. Martin M. Mazick, who gave the audience some insight about their new leader. 

"Colonel Bright comes to the wing with a great background," he said. "He's been a commander at a base with C-17s, and he's mission oriented." 

Most recently, Colonel Bright was commander of the 911th Airlift Wing, Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Coraopolis, Pa. 

Originally from Birmingham, Ala., he earned a science degree in biology from Birmingham-Southern College. With 22 years in the Air Force Reserve, Colonel Bright has logged more than 4,000 flying hours including 163 combat and combat support hours. Many of these hours were in the C-17 Globemaster III, Dover's newest weapon system, which arrived this month. 

Addressing his new Airmen during a time of change, Colonel Bright introduced his management philosophy of STARS to the Liberty Wing. 

"Safety - in everything you do, not only here but at your civilian job and with your family. 

Training - It's your job to get all the training you're required to have to do your job. It's my job to ensure that training is available to you. 

Attitude - You need a positive attitude. You can do almost anything you put your mind to if you have a positive attitude. 

Ready - You need to be ready to be mobile, ready to go at a moment's notice. Have our affairs in order. 

Standards - If it's in the Air Force Instruction; that is our standard. If it's not right, we'll put in for a change," said the new commander.  

"If you can remember STARS, then you know what I stand for," he said.

Turning his attention the active-duty's 436th Airlift Wing, he spoke of his intentions to dedication to the Team Dover concept. 

"I will be your unrivaled wingman," he said. "I'll be there when you need me, and I hope you'll be there when we need each other. 

"A 'bright' future is in store for us," said the colonel. "No pun intended; it just happens to be my name."  (Tech. Sgt. Veronica A. Aceveda contributed to this story)