CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The 437th Airlift Wing welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony June 29 in Nose Dock 2.
Col. John "Red" Millander, former 97th Operations Group commander at Altus AFB, Okla., replaced Col. Glen Joerger. Colonel Joerger will officially retire from active-duty Air Force Oct. 1.
Colonel Millander was born and raised in Hokes Bluff, Ala. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University when he also entered into the Air Force after graduating from the Reserve Officer Training Corps.
He later received a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He also earned a Master of Science degree in national strategic studies from the Industrial College of Armed Forces in Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.
Why did you join the Air Force?
I attended Auburn University on an ROTC scholarship to study electrical engineering. I requested a pilot training slot during my senior year and received it along with retention of all scholarship benefits. I was excited about the Air Force mission then and am even more excited about the great things we do and people we help around the world.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I'm interested in the details, but trust my subordinate commanders and their people enough to let them work most issues at their level.
What are your expectations of the members of Team Charleston?
I'm very impressed by our world-class people and the inspiring way they accomplish their daily mission. Everyone in our wing contributes to the mission. No one should measure their worth by their proximity to a C-17 flight deck. It takes integrated and coordinated efforts with each team member performing to the highest standards to accomplish our mission.
What is your opinion of Team Charleston?
It is a world-class organization and meets a critical requirement in an extraordinary time in our nation's history. I am grateful for this rare opportunity and look forward to leading the premier airlift wing in the United States Air Force and the world. Charleston AFB is unique -- a premier organization in an extraordinary time, a time when the nation is at war. The capabilities we offer our nation are critically important -- the ability to project with precision and support massive amounts of combat power over strategic distances.
What are your plans for Charleston AFB as the new wing commander?
I want to continue to develop a warrior ethos in every Airman. Our people are our most precious resource and the first duty of every leader is to grow more Airman leaders. I will continue to encourage innovation at every level and use Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century as a tool to let our people work smarter, not harder. I will build upon the strong foundation of community ties that already exist and work with our Reservists, other services and community partners to improve our own facilities and make Charleston a joint community model of partnership for the 21st century.