Janicki brings years of education, experience to new role as Communications Squadron commander Published Jan. 13, 2014 By Technical Sergeant Valerie Smock 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- Maj. Thaddeus "Ted" J. Janicki assumed command of the 910th Communication (Comm) Squadron, here, January 12, 2014. Janicki accepted command from Col. Teresa A. Hams, 910th Mission Support Group commander. The assumption of command ceremony is deeply rooted in history and tradition, dating back to the time of Frederick the Great of Prussia. During this period, military organizations developed unique and specialized flags. When soldiers followed their leaders into battle, and the flag still waved after the conflict, it was a sign of victory. Having this position of great importance, the flag was incorporated into ancient assumption of command ceremonies. The ceremony remains symbolic today. During the ceremony, Hams emphasized that every commander brings a skill set with them to each position. She said when it comes to Janicki, he is highly qualified for the job. "He is experienced, smart, professional and approachable," said Hams. "He is confident and focused." In addition to those qualities, Hams said Janicki is well-rounded with an array of knowledge. With a background in education, it allows him to be both the student and a teacher. "He is a computer and information officer, he has served at all levels of base and staff operations," said Hams. "He has his doctorate and is an associate professor of Computer Information Systems in North Carolina, where he has taught almost every type of computer class you can imagine. He knows the importance of training people and helping them gain skills and confidence in their career field. He is the right person, at the right time, to take on the command position for the Communication Squadron." Capt. Russell R. Whitlock, Director of Operations, 910th Communications Squadron, who was the temporary commander before Janicki, agreed with Hams and said he is a natural fit for the position. "He brings a positive energy and keen observational eye to the command chair that you would expect of a professional educator," said Whitlock. "We are fortunate to have him taking the helm to help navigate us through the ever-changing environment of Information Systems." Whitlock said he is thrilled to pass over the reins to Janicki, saying he will take the squadron and make it even better. "I anticipate his influence will elevate our game overall as a team, accelerate the growth of our senior squadron leadership and, in turn, our airmen and civilians," said Whitlock. "The greatest Comm organization in Air Force Reserve Command deserves a great leader, and I believe that's what we now have." The excitement isn't only coming from the Airmen. Janicki said he is not only happy to take on the new challenge, he is honored. "We all learn from our experiences," said Janicki. "I see this as an experience that will only build me as a person, while allowing me to shape the experiences of others. I respect the opportunity of this position." There isn't a plan to come in and shake things up or rearrange the whole squadron. He said Comm Squadron is already an excellent unit but there is still room for improvement. "I do not intend to make changes for the sake of making changes," said Janicki. "I am going to ask the questions of my people: One, what are we trying to accomplish? Two, how will we know if a change will result in an improvement? Three, what changes can we make that will result in improvement? We will take those answers, make a plan, implement them, check our results and adjust as necessary." The only adjustment Janicki said he had to make personally was getting used to the cold weather. He was previously at the 916th Air Reserve Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. However, when it came down to making the decision to come to Youngstown, he said it was a no-brainer. "I'm looking forward to serving with the fine people of the 910th Communications Squadron," said Janicki. "I've been on-station for a few days now, and it is already a truly great group of people."