Liberty Wing flight commander returns as squadron commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Erika Brooke
  • 512th Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, DEL. --  Formerly the 512th Operations Support Flight commander, Lt. Col. Thomas Guerra assumed command of the 326th Airlift Squadron in an official ceremony held Jan. 11 at the 512th Operations Group here.

Col. Jonathan M. Philebaum, 512th OG commander, officiated the ceremony. He addressed 512th Airlift Wing members regarding the responsibility, authority and accountability required to be a leader.

"Being a leader (is) no easy job, but (Guerra) has the aptitude, ability and experience," said Philebaum. "He will be well received as he steps into this new position of responsibility."

Col. Raymond A. Kozak, 512th AW commander, and the unit's senior leadership were among those in attendance.

Guerra said it was great to be back at the Liberty Wing and spoke of some of his experiences during his interim away from Dover AFB. Of all the new things he learned, Guerra said it all loops back to the importance of taking care of people and the mission.

"I'm no expert, but I know that taking care of our people is mission imperative; general concern, dignity and respect are essential to leadership at the minimum," said Guerra.

Guerra referenced the significance of 28th U.S. Secretary of War Gen. John M. Schofield's address to the West Point's 1879 graduates.

"He who feels the respect which is due to others cannot fail to inspire in them respect for himself," he quoted. Guerra acknowledged that while there may a multitude of challenges tugging Airmen in many different directions, respect for one another is vital in order to safely and efficiently accomplish the mission.

Before accepting his position as 326th AS commander, Guerra was the U.S. Command Reserve Branch Chief for Pacific Command Support in Illinois.