CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The 437th Operations Group welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony at the Charleston Club Feb. 29.
Col. Joseph Mancy, former 437 OG deputy commander, replaced Col. Frank Fields. Colonel Fields will be going to the Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Ala., to be a faculty staff member.
Colonel Mancy was born in Chapel Hill, N.C., and spent the majority of his childhood in Ann Harbor, Mich. He received his commission in 1984 from Officer Training School after attending Michigan State University.
Colonel Mancy's first assignment was as a C-141B copilot, aircraft commander and instructor pilot with the 41st Military Airlift Squadron at Charleston AFB from 1986-1989.
"Charleston was my first-choice assignment as a young lieutenant following pilot training," said Colonel Mancy. "When I first arrived 22 years ago, I was amazed at how friendly the people were to strangers and was amazed at their respect and appreciation for the military."
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
In college, I enrolled in the U.S. Marine Corps Platoon Leaders' Course and was in the USMC Reserves for two years before I joined the Air Force.
What is your favorite movie?
Bourne Identity
What is your major pet peeve?
My major pet peeve is when people talk negatively about others behind their backs.
Who is your favorite author?
Thomas Friedman
What is your favorite quote?
"It is not the critic who counts or how the strong man stumbles and falls or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust, sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again. Who knows great enthusiasms, great devotion, who spends himself for a worthy cause; and if he fails, he fails while daring greatly, so he will never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." -- Theodore Roosevelt, speech at Sorbonne, Paris, 1910.
What was your most memorable assignment and why?
The most memorable was Ramstein AB, Germany. Flying C-21s was a real kick in the pants and flying them in Europe, Africa and the Middle East was great. What I enjoyed most was how much traveling we did as a family. It was a non-stop vacation.
What are your initial plans as the new commander?
It is a tremendous honor and privilege to lead the operations group. My challenge will be to take an exceptional group of men and women, who are making sacrifices daily while defending our nation, to new heights.