Riley brings world service experiences to new role as Mission Support Group commander Published Aug. 7, 2014 By Staff. Sgt. Valerie Smock 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- From overseas to across the country and from ministries to the Mission Support Group (MSG), Col. Kevin C. Riley, 910th Mission Support Group commander, is one of the 'new kids in town' at Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS). He isn't just a world traveler, but also a family-man with many talents. Riley assumed command of the MSG during the June Unit Training Assembly after his most recent assignment at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., as the MSG commander. "I knew the time was coming to move on, so I put in an application to work here," said Riley. "This is my final stop and I'm thrilled to be here." YARS may be the final stop, but it took years of travel to get Riley here. He was born in Tokyo to his father, a Boston native, and his mother, from south Chicago. He moved a lot due to his father's service in the Army and even more so after joining the Air Force. "He brings a wealth of experience from many areas that he has worked in throughout his career," said Lt. Col. Robert M. Hudson, 910th Mission Support Group deputy commander. While in the service, Riley held many positions including total quality management officer, deputy group commander and joint base coordinator, among many others. As if that wasn't enough, he felt like he had another calling. He added Bible College to his resume. "My life's purpose is to demonstrate God's sense of humor," said Riley. "I know I'm not called to be a pastor. My preaching skills leave (much) to be desired." Instead of preaching in front of a church, he decided to take a more hands-on approach. He and his wife, Wendy, recently helped with vacation bible school at Warren Baptist Temple in Warren, Ohio. In 2009, he went on a medical missions trip to the Dominican Republic. The skills he learned while in school have translated well into being a commander. The education allowed Riley to understand how best to deal with people. "I believe a commander should command and there should be accountability up and down," said Riley. "You should be out front. The commander is like a shepherd who is out front leading. The first sergeant is like a sheep dog, right in with the sheep. The commander needs to take care of the sheep, nourish, correct and feed them. [The commander] needs to be the one taking the bullets." Hudson said he has already seen great work from Riley in the short time he's been at the unit. "He has brought a very positive can-do attitude and a vision of big things for the group and wing," said Hudson. That is exactly what Riley said he intends to do at YARS. He wants to take what is already great and make it even better. "There are a lot of talented people here, and there are a lot of good things going on here," said Riley. "We have a gem right here and it's a fantastic place to be." The excitement of joining YARS has already resonated through his entire family. "I am extremely impressed with the level of care and professionalism of the full-time members of the 910th as they maintain the base and prepare for the onslaught of Reservists," Wendy said. "The beauty of the base and the facilities demonstrates the fantastic attention to detail." Even though not all of his five sons will be joining him and his wife here in Ohio, two other family members did make the trip. The two family dogs, Maxwell and Grady, have also made the journey. Until the Riley's move into their new home, it's quite possible to see the Great Pyrenees and Dachshund -Westie Mix hanging out at YARS. With dogs in tow Riley, who said this is the final stop in his military career, said he plans to make the most of what time he has left of his military commitment. "We're just enjoying what we have right here," said Riley. "This is phenomenal and we have a great team. I'm looking forward to seeing what is going to happen this next year plus."