New wing commander: Actions speak louder than words Published July 16, 2007 By Senior Airman Ann Wilkins-Jefferson 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- A former operations group commander from an Air Force Reserve base in Massachusetts took command of the 910th Airlift Wing during a change of command ceremony here July 15. Col. Karl McGregor succeeded Col. Timothy J. Thomson, who retired after 34 years of service to the Air Force and headed to Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., as a civilian instructor pilot for Lear Siegler Inc. Col. McGregor is a command pilot, having flown more than 11,200 hours in a variety of aircraft. He was the 439th Operations Group Commander at Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass., from 2003-2007, where he was responsible for 16 C-5A/B Galaxy aircraft. Prior to that he was operations officer at the 756th Airlift Squadron at Andrews AFB, Md., from 1999-2002; chief of Strategic Airlift Operations, AFRC headquarters, Robins AFB, Ga., from 1997-1999; and a C-5 examiner pilot, Kelly AFB, Texas, from 1986 through 1997, during which time he was activated for Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Before receiving his commission as an Air Force officer, Col. McGregor enlisted in the Air Force in 1976. He was assigned as a mechanic followed by a flight engineer for CH-3 and HH-3 helicopters from 1976-1980 at Shaw AFB, S.C. From 1980 through 1985, he was a flight engineer first for the C-141A/B at Charleston AFB, S.C., and then for both the C-130B and C-5A at Kelly AFB, Texas. In 1984, Col. McGregor obtained a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas. At Officer Training School, Lackland AFB, Texas, in 1985, he was First Honor Graduate. Then in 1986 he was a distinguished graduate from Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin AFB, Texas. Col. McGregor earned two master's degrees, one from Webster State University in 1990 and one from the Naval War College in 2003. He also attended Senior Service School, Naval War College, Newport, R.I. from 2002-2003. Throughout his 31 years in the Air Force thus far, Col. McGregor has received numerous military awards and decorations including the following medals: Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, Air, Aerial Achievement, Air Force Commendation, Air Force Achievement, Air Force Outstanding Unit, Combat Readiness, Air Force Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Armed Forces Expeditionary, Southwest Asia Service, Humanitarian Service, and Kuwait Liberation (Saudi Arabia and Kuwait). He's also earned ribbons for Air Force Longevity Service Award, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship and Air Force Training. Col. McGregor was born in Germany and grew up in Savannah, Ga. During the change of command ceremony, Maj. Gen. Martin M. Mazick, commander of the 22 Air Force, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., gave a speech recognizing both Col. Thomson and Col. McGregor. He said that taking command of a wing was a great honor but also a great responsibility, telling Col. McGregor, "I expect leadership. I expect mentorship. I expect honesty." When Col. McGregor addressed the crowd, he told the Airmen present, "Actions speak louder than words. I want you to watch me the next year. I will hold myself accountable. I expect my commanders to be held accountable." The new wing commander also made special mention of the 910th's upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection in 2008, noting that he just went through an ORI at Westover. His advice for the ORI: "Plan deeply before you execute." Following the change of command ceremony, Col. McGregor, his wife Jill, and their two sons greeted members of the wing and honored guests at a reception at the Eagle's Nest Club on base.