An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Previous Stories
910th FSS: New Leadership
24 May 2025
Firefighters face the flames
23 May 2025
IDLC25: Contested Airdrop
22 May 2025
Rickenbacker firefighters face the heat at YARS
16 May 2025
IDLC25: Combatives and TCCC
13 May 2025

New Vice Commander trades in sun for snow during military weekends

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Valerie Smock
  • 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio --  After spending 25 years with the Air Force in the Southwestern corner of the United States (U.S.), Col. Darryl L. Markowski, 910th Airlift Wing (AW) Vice Commander, packed his bags and moved east. Even though he still lives in California, a state with plenty of sunshine, he'll spend at least one weekend a month in Ohio, a state with plenty of snow.

As a native of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Markowski is unfazed by the cold weather. He said it was a move he wanted to make.

"I came by choice," said Markowski. "I heard great things about the base and I worked hard to get the job."

Markowski took over the position as the 910th AW Vice Commander at the end of July. Even though he said he worked hard to obtain the job, he was ultimately given positive remarks from the get-go.

"He comes highly recommended on numerous avenues and from a number of sources," said Col. James D. Dignan, 910th Airlift Wing Commander.

Markowski's experience began in 1988 when he earned his Air Force commission from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Reserve Officers' Training Corps program.  After graduation from pilot training, he served with the 54th Flying Training Squadron as a T-38 instructor pilot at Reese Air Force Base, Texas.

From there Markowski was assigned to Travis Air Force Base (AFB), California, U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia, in the Indian Ocean territory, and Camp Smith, Hawaii. He held many jobs from a pilot to squadron and group commander.

"We're bringing in his strategic airlift experience from Travis AFB to our tactical airlift world," said Dignan. "His experience, coming to us from U.S. Pacific Command, will give us an outside perspective for the Air Force Reserve and for Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS)."

Markowski said he is excited to be a part of YARS and is ready to step into his new role, which includes taking on a list of never before completed tasks.

"It's a whole different mission going from a strategic airlift in flying with the C-5 to coming here with a tactical airlift and spray mission," said Markowski. "Flying the C-130 is a whole new operation and I'm excited to fly."

Excitement wasn't the only emotion Markowski said he has felt since joining the wing. He said he was not just thrilled to be part of the 910th, but is looking forward to making YARS an even better place.

"[YARS] is amazing and I was blown away with my first impression," said Markowski. "We have great accomplishments at the lower level and I want us to get recognized further."

Markowski said he understands the frustration the Airmen may have with the loss of a flying squadron. He wants to work with the commander to make the transition to one flying squadron easier.

"My goal is to help Colonel Dignan fine tune the operation," said Markowski. "I have a lot of pride and I want to be able to contribute. I want to make it better than the day I showed up and get it to shine more than it already does."
Previous Story