McGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. - Air Force Col. Richard B. Howard assumed command of the I.G. Brown Air National Guard Training and Education Center in a ceremony presided over by Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, the director of the Air National Guard here in Wilson Hall today.
During the event, Wyatt spoke of the importance of this change of command in relation to the mission of the center, which is to facilitate change through the education and training of military leaders.
"As we talk about change today," said Wyatt. "I think this event is significant because of the importance of this place, the importance of the curriculum, and the importance of the people who work here to facilitate that change."
Howard accepted the flag of command from Air Force Col. Michael L. Waggett in a military ceremonial formation. Waggett had served in the position since May 2006 and will retire from the United States Air Force on March 27.
"I'm humbled and thankful to have had the chance to be the commander of this great institution," said Waggett. "The Air National Guard Training and Education Center is a truly unique and magical place."
Howard is the ninth commanding officer to lead the center since it was founded in 1968. As commander, he will have overall responsibility for several professional military development courses including the Academy of Military Science, the Paul H. Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center, various training development courses and distance learning. He will also oversee the television production studios of TEC-TV and the Air National Guard Warrior Network.
"This is the jewel of the Air National Guard," said Howard as he thanked Wyatt and an audience of over 200 guests for the opportunity to serve the Training and Education Center.
Howard began his military career as an enlisted member, serving as a crew chief on the KC-135A aircraft. He received his commission in 1983 as a distinguished graduate of the Academy of Military Science and served as a faculty advisor for the program from 1983 to 1987. He is a career logistician with disciplines in both aircraft maintenance and logistics readiness. Howard has commanded at the flight, squadron and group levels and has supported Operations Just Cause, Desert Storm, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Howard is the former director of logistics for the National Guard Bureau at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. As director, he advised the Air National Guard on logistics matters concerning aircraft maintenance, munitions, energy, supply, transportation, logistics plans and contracting.