CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The 17th Airlift Squadron welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony here Wednesday.
Lt. Col. Scott DeThomas, former military assistant to the secretary of the Air Force, replaced Lt. Col. Lenny Richoux. Colonel Richoux currently has orders to be a National Defense Fellow at the University of Illinois.
Colonel DeThomas was born in Laurel, Md., and was raised in Johnston R.I. He enlisted in the Rhode Island Army National Guard and then went to active duty Air Force. Later, he went to the Air Force Academy and graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in management.
Colonel DeThomas has also obtained his Master of Arts degree in management from Webster University, S.C., Master of Arts and Science degree in military operational arts and science and a Master of Arts and Science degree in airpower art and science from the Air University at Maxwell AFB, Ala.
Why did you join the Air Force?
I initially joined for the education and for the opportunities to serve and travel. I stayed in because I love the Air Force way of life.
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
I enlisted in the Rhode Island Army National Guard on my seventeenth birthday.
What is your favorite movie?
Braveheart
What is your major pet peeve?
Dishonesty
Who is your favorite author?
John Grisham
What is your favorite quote?
"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity." - George Patton
Who is your role model and why?
No one in particular is my role model; it's really a mix of leaders I've been fortunate to work with. I admire leaders who successfully balance the needs of the Air Force and our nation while never forgetting his or her people and the importance of their leadership.
What was your most memorable assignment and why?
My most memorable assignment was probably my initial C-17 assignment to Charleston in 1999. The airplane was just making its mark in the airlift world and the capabilities were expanding. I was fortunate to witness the transformation from an airland platform to the start of its tactical debut in Operations Allied Force and Enduring Freedom.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I'm a big fan of George Patton's quote I referred to earlier and I like to refer to that when leading others. I also really enjoy helping and working with teams and individuals while allowing them to grow and build without being told how to do it.